) 


PRACTICAL 


EXPLANATION  AND  APPLICATION 

OP 


BIBLE  HISTORY, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 
Boston  Library  Consortium  Member  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/practicalexplanaOOnash 


PRACTICAL 


EXPLANATION  AND  APPLICATION 


BIBLE  HISTORY. 


EDITED  BY 

REV.  JOHN  J.  NASH,  D.D. 


New  York,  Cincinnati,  Chicago: 

BENZIGER  BROTHERS, 

Printers  to  the  Holy  Apostolic  See. 

1902. 


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REV.  J.  DONOHOE,  D.D., 


Censor  Deputatus. 


irmpdmatut. 


MICHAEL  AUGUSTINE, 

Archbishop  of  New  York. 


New  York,  March  20,  1902. 


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Copyright,  1902,  by  Benziger  Brothers. 


PREFACE. 


“  To  show  in  what  ways  the  Inspired  Writings  are 
of  practical  use  to  Christian  life,  to  mark  their  appli¬ 
cation  to  conduct  as  they  are  perused  by  the  youthful 
reader,  is  to  render  a  great  service  to  our  Holy 
Religion.” — Herbert,  Cardinal  Vaughan,  in  his  ap¬ 
probation  of  Ivnecht's  Commentary. 

To  render  in  a  small  way  the  service  spoken  of  by 
His  Eminence  is  the  aim  of  this  hook.  The  editor  and 
translator  has  followed  the  lines  laid  down  bv  Siegel 

j  o 

in  his  excellent  work,  Kateclietischer  Leitfaden.  At  the 
same  time  he  has  not  hesitated  to  prune  the  original 
here  and  there,  and  to  add  some  things  that  he  hopes 
will  make  it  interesting  and  practical. 

The  work  is  intended  for  the  use  of  catechism 
teachers.  The  comparatively  few  questions  in  each 
chapter  do  not  exhaust  the  subject,  still  they  will  serve 
to  guide  the  teacher,  and  to  suggest  other  questions. 
In  each  chapter  the  children’s  attention  is  called  to  the 
practical  application  of  some  truth  learned  in  the  cate¬ 
chism.  “  God  is  merciful,”  we  tell  the  child  in 
catechism;  but  here  we  unfold  the  truth  to  his  gaze; 
Mary  Magdalen,  St.  Peter,  the  thief  on  the  cross,  the 
whole  history  of  the  Jewish  people,  are  so  many  moving 

5 


6 


Preface. 


pictures,  passing  before  the  child's  imagination  and 
showing  forth  the  truth  which  in  the  abstract  would 
make  little  or  no  impression  on  the  young  mind. 

The  principal  feature  of  the  work  is  the  practical 
application  found  at  the  close  of  each  chapter.  All 
that  precedes,  the  narration  of  the  subject  matter  and 
its  development,  is  nothing  more  than  the  means  to 
an  end.  The  theoretical  knowledge  of  Catholic  Truth 
will  not  save  us;  on  the  contrary  it  will  only  increase 
our  responsibility  at  the  last  accounting;  our  knowledge 
must  be  practical,  we  must  shape  our  conduct  in  the 
mould  of  Catholic  doctrine,  we  must  make  it  the  rule 
of  our  daily  life.  Only  in  this  way  “  we  shall  know  the 
truth  and  the  truth  shall  make  us  free.” 

Hence  it  is  that  we  consider  the  practical  applica¬ 
tion  at  the  end  of  each  chapter  the  most  important 
feature  of  the  whole  work. 

Despite  any  defects  which  the  eye  of  the  critic  may 
detect,  we  trust  that  this  little  book  will  not  fail  to 
do  some  good. 

Jno.  J.  Nasii. 


P ORTAQ  EVILLE,  N.  Y., 

Feast  of  St.  Matthias,  1902. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Preface. .  5 

THE  OLD  TESTAMENT: 

THE  PRIMITIVE  AGES. 

CHAPTER 

I.  The  Creation  of  the  World  and  the  Institution  of  the 

Sabbath .  15 

II.  The  Creation  and  Fall  of  the  Angels .  19 

III.  The  Creation  of  the  First  Man. — Paradise. — The  Crea¬ 

tion  of  Eve .  23 

IV.  The  Fall  of  our  First  Parents .  26 

V.  The  Punishment  of  the  Sin  of  our  First  Parents  and 

the  Promise  of  a  Redeemer .  30 

VI.  Cain  and  Abel .  34 

VII.  The  Multiplication  of  the  Sons  of  Men,  their  Sins. — 

The  Deluge .  38 

VIII.  Noe’s  Sacrifice. — His  Children .  41 

IX.  The  Tower  of  Babel. — Universal  Idolatry .  45 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL. 

X.  The  Call  and  Obedience  of  the  Patriarch  Abraham .  48 

XI.  Abraham’s  Love  of  Peace. — Melchisedech . .  51 

XII.  The  Law  of  Circumcision. — Abraham’s  Faith  and 

Hospitality  . .  55 

XIII,  The  Destruction  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha .  58 

7 


8 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XIV.  Tlie  Birth  of  Isaac. — Abraham’s  Sacrifice .  61 

XV.  Isaac  Marries  Rebecca .  64 

XVI.  Esau  and  Jacob .  66 

XVII.  Jacob’s  Flight  and  His  Sojourn  with  Laban .  70 

XVIII.  Jacob’s  Return  Home  and  His  Reconciliation  with 

Esau . 74 

XIX.  Joseph  is  Sold  by  His  Brothers .  77 

XX.  Joseph  in  the  House  of  Putiphar .  82 

XXI.  Joseph  in  Prison .  84 

XXII.  Joseph’s  Exaltation .  86 

XXIII.  The  Sons  of  Jacob  go  into  Egypt .  89 

XXIV.  Benjamin’s  Journey  into  Egypt .  92 

XXV.  Joseph’s  Silver  Cup. ..  . .  95 

XXVI.  Joseph  Makes  Himself  Known  to  His  Brothers .  97 

XXVII.  Jacob  goes  into  Egypt .  99 

XXVIII.  The  Last  Words  of  Jacob  and  Joseph .  101 

XXIX.  Job’s  Patience .  103 


THE  WONDERFUL  DEVELOPMENT  AND  GUIDANCE  OF 

THE  PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL. 


XXX.  The  Birth  of  Moses .  107 

XXXI.  The  Flight  of  Moses .  109 

XXXII.  The  Burning  Bush  . Ill 

XXXIII.  The  Ten  Plagues  of  Egypt .  116 

XXXIV.  The  Paschal  Lamb,  and  the  Departure  of  the 

Israelites  from  Egypt .  118 

XXXV.  The  Passage  of  the  Red  Sea .  121 

XXXVI.  Miracles  Wrought  in  the  Desert .  124 

XXXVII.  God  gives  the  Ten  Commandments  on  Mount  Sinai.  126 

XXXVIII.  The  Golden  OalfTTTTTTTTr7TTTTTTT7T^ .  ...  129 

XXXIX.  The  Erection  of  the  Tabernacle .  131 

XL.  Laws  Regulating  Divine  Worship .  134 

XLI.  The  Spies .  ....  140 

XLII.  The  Revolt  of  Core  and  His  Punishment . 142 

XLIII.  The  Doubt  of  Moses. — The  Brazen  Serpent .  143 

XLIV.  Balaam’s  Prophecy .  146 

XLV.  The  Parting  Advice  and  Death  of  Moses .  147 


XLVI.  The  Israelites  Enter  the  Promised  Land. — Josue. .  150 


Contents . 


9 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XLVII.  The  Judges. — Gedeon .  153 

XLVIII.  Ruth’s  Affection  for  Her  Mother-in-law .  155 

XLIX.  Samuel. — The  Wicked  Sons  of  Heli .  158 

L.  Saul  elected  King . . .  161 

LI.  David  the  Young  Shepherd .  164 

LII.  David  Fights  with  Goliath  and  Slays  Him .  165 

LIII.  Jonathan  Loves  David,  Saul  Hates  Him .  167 

LIV.  David’s  Noble  Conduct  towards  Saul .  169 

THE  GREATNESS  OF  THE  PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL.— FROM 

DAVID  TO  ROBOAM. 

LV.  David’s  Piety  and  Zeal  for  God’s  Glory .  172 

LVI.  The  Prophecies  of  David .  174 

LVII.  Revolt  and  Punishment  of  Absalom . .  176 

LVIII.  David’s  Last  Words  and  Death .  179 

LIX.  Solomon’s  Prayer  and  Wisdom .  181 

LX.  The  Proverbs  of  Solomon . . .  184 

LXI.  The  Building  and  Consecration  of  the  Temple .  186 

LXII.  Solomon’s  Magnificence  and  Fall .  188 

THE  DECLINE  OF  THE  PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL. 

LXIII.  The  Division  of  the  Kingdom .  190 

LXIV.  The  Prophets. — God  Sends  the  Prophet  Elias .  192 

LXV.  The  Sacrifice  of  Elias .  195 

LXVI.  The  Sins  and  Punishment  of  Jezabel  and  Achab. .  . .  197 

LXVII.  God  Sends  the  Prophet  Eliseus . 200 

LX VIII.  The  Prophet  Jonas .  202 

FINAL  OVERTHROW  OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  ISRAEL, 

722  B.C. 

LXIX.  Tobias  in  the  Assyrian  Captivity .  204 

LXX.  The  Parting  Advice  of  the  Older  Tobias  and  the 

Departure  of  the  Younger .  206 

LXXI.  Tobias’  Return  Home .  209 

LXXII.  The  Prophets  Joel  and  Micheas .  210 

LXXIII.  King  Ozias  Usurps  the  Priestly  Functions,  and  is 

Stricken  with  Leprosy .  212 


10 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

LXXIV.  The  Prophecies  of  Isaias .  214 

LXXV.  The  Pious  King  Ezechias .  217 

LXXVI.  Judith .  219 

THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  JUDA. 

LXXVII.  Daniel  in  the  Babylonian  Captivity .  222 

LXXVIII.  Daniel  Saves  the  Chaste  Susanna .  224 

LXXIX.  The  Three  Young  Men  in  the  Fiery  Furnace  . . .  227 

LXXX.  King  Baltassar  and  the  Idol  Bel .  230 

LNXXI.  Daniel  in  the  Lions’  Den. . . . . . .  232 

LXXXII.  The  Return  of  the  Jews  from  the  Babylonian 

Captivity .  234 

LXXXIII.  Esther .  236 

LXXXIY.  Translation  of  the  Old  Testament  into  Greek. — 

Ecclesiasticus .  239 

LXXXV.  The  Martyrdom  of  Eleazar .  243 

LXXXVI.  The  Martyrdom  of  the  Seven  Machabees . 244 

LXXXVII.  The  Sacrifice  and  Heroic  Deeds  of  Judas  Maclia- 

beus .  246 

LXXXVIII.  The  Last  Days  before  the  Coming  of  Christ . 249 


THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 

I.  The  Announcement  of  the  Birth  of  St.  John  the 

Baptist . 253 

II.  The  Announcement  of  the  Birth  of  Jesus . 257 

III.  The  Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin .  261 

IV.  The  Birth  of  St.  John  the  Baptist .  265 

V.  The  Birth  of  Christ . 268 

VI.  The  Shepherds  at  the  Crib  and  the  Circumcision . 272 

VII.  The  Presentation  of  Jesus  in  the  Temple .  274 

VIII.  The  Adoration  of  the  Magi .  277 

IX.  The  Flight  into  Egypt  and  the  Return  to  Nazareth. . . .  280 

X.  Jesus  in  the  Temple . 283 

XI.  St.  John  the  Baptist,  the  Forerunner  of  Christ .  286 


Contents . 


11 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XII.  The  Baptism  of  Jesus . . 289 

XIII.  The  Temptation  of  Jesus  in  the  Desert .  291 

XIV.  The  First  Disciples  of  Jesus . 292 

XV.  Jesus’  First  Miracle  at  Cana .  294 

XVI.  The  Expulsion  of  the  Buyers  and  Sellers  and  the 
Money-changers  from  the  Temple  and  the  Con¬ 
versation  with  Nicodemus . 296 

XVII.  Jesus  at  the  Well  of  Jacob. . 299 

XVIII.  Jesus’  Sermon  at  Nazareth .  802 

XIX.  The  Miracles  of  Jesus  at  Capharnaum . 305 

XX.  The  Miraculous  Draught  of  Fishes .  306 

XXI.  The  Miraculous  Cure  of  the  Paralytic . 308 

XXII.  The  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 

The  Eight  Beatitudes .  311 

On  the  Dignity  and  Office  of  the  Apostles  and 

their  Successors .  316 

On  the  True  Justice  of  the  New  Law . 318 

On  the  Necessity  of  Having  a  Good  Intention 

when  Performing  Good  Works .  319 

On  the  Solicitude  for  the  Things  of  this  World 

and  Confidence  in  God .  321 

On  Rash  Judgment .  322 

Concluding  Remarks .  324 

XXIII.  The  Cure  of  the  Leper  and  of  the  Centurion’s 

Servant .  325 

XXIV.  Jesus  raises  from  the  Dead  the  Son  of  the  Widow  of 

Naim .  328 

XXV.  The  Mission  of  the  Disciples  of  John  the  Baptist  to 

Christ  .  330 

XXVI.  Mary  Magdalen  the  Penitent . 331 

XXVII.  Cure  of  the  Man  who  had  been  sick  for  Thirty-eight 

Years. . .  333 

XXVIII.  The  Sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost. — Mary  is  declared 

Blessed .  836 

XXIX.  Jesus  Preaches  on  the  Lake  of  Genesareth. — The 

Seven  Parables  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven .  837 

XXX.  The  Parable  of  the  Seed  and  the  Cockle . 339 

XXXI.  The  Parable  of  the  Mustard  Seed,  the  Leaven,  the 

Treasure,  the  Precious  Pearl,  and  the  Net .  340 

XXXII.  Jesus  in  the  Tempest  at  Sea .  342 


12 


Contents . 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXXIII.  Jesus  lieals  the  Woman  afflicted  with  an  Issue 
of  Blood  and  raises  the  Daughter  of  Jairus  to 

Life .  343 

XXXIV.  The  First  Mission  of  the  Apostles .  345 

XXXV.  The  Beheading  of  St.  John  the  Baptist . 348 

XXXVI.  The  Miracle  of  the  Loaves  and  Fishes. — Jesus 

Feeds  Miraculously  Five  Thousand  Men .  349 

XXXVII.  Jesus  Walks  upon  the  Waters .  351 

XXXVIII.  The  Promise  to  Institute  the  Blessed  Sacrament. .  352 

XXXIX.  The  Woman  of  Chanaan .  355 

XL.  Jesus  Promises  St.  Peter  the  Keys  of  the  King¬ 
dom  of  Heaven .  357 

XLI.  The  Transfiguration  of  Jesus  on  Mount  Tliabor. .  360 

XLII.  The  Tribute  for  the  Temple .  362 

XLIII.  Jesus  Blesses  the  Little  Children. — On  Scandal.. .  363 
XLIV.  The  Power  to  Forgive  Sins  Conferred  on  the 
Apostles. — The  Parable  of  the  Unforgiving 

Servant .  364 

XLV.  Jesus  Sends  Forth  Ilis  Seventy-two  Disciples. . . .  366 
XLVI.  The  Commandments  of  the  Love  of  God  and  our 

Neighbor. — The  Good  Samaritan .  367 

XLVII.  Martha  and  Mary .  370 

XLVIII.  Jesus  the  Good  Shepherd,  and  the  Lost  Sheep. . ..  371 

XLIX.  The  Parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son . 373 

L.  The  Parable  of  Dives  and  Lazarus .  376 

LI.  Jesus  gives  Sight  to  the  Man  Born  Blind .  378 

LII.  The  “  Our  Father  ” .  381 

LIII.  The  Parable  of  the  Rich  Man .  382 

LIV.  The  Barren  Fig-tree .  383 

LV.  The  Ten  Lepers . 385 

LVI.  The  Pharisee  and  the  Publican .  386 

LVII.  Jesus  at  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  the 

Temple .  388 

LVIII.  The  Rich  Young  Man .  389 

LIX.  The  Parable  of  the  Laborers  in  the  Vineyard .  391 

LX.  The  Raising  of  Lazarus  from  the  Dead . 393 

LXI.  Jesus  Foretells  His  Passion  and  Death. — Zacheus..  395 

LXII.  Jesus  Anointed  by  Mary .  397 

LXIII.  The  Triumphal  Entry  of  Jesus  into  Jerusalem.. .  398 
LXIV.  The  Parable  of  the  Marriage  Feast. . 400 


Contents 


13 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

LXV.  The  Coin  of  Tribute .  402 

LXVI.  The  Widow’s  Mite. — Jesus  Foretells  the  Destruc¬ 
tion  of  Jerusalem  and  the  End  of  the  World. .  404 
LXVH.  The  Parables  of  the  Ten  Virgins  and  the  Talents  406 

LXVIII.  The  Last  Judgment .  408 

LXIX.  The  Eating  of  the  Paschal  Lamb  and  the  Wash¬ 
ing  of  the  Feet . . . 411 

LXX.  Jesus  Institutes  the  Blessed  Sacrament  and  Fore¬ 
tells  the  Treason  of  Judas . . .  413 

LXXI.  Jesus  Foretells  the  Denial  of  St.  Peter  and  Bids 

Farewell  to  His  Apostles .  420 

LXXII.  The  Agony  of  Jesus  in  the  Garden . 424 

LXXIII.  Jesus  is  Seized  in  the  Garden . 426 

LXXIV.  Jesus  before  Annas  and  C’aiphas . 428 

LXXV.  St.  Peter  Denies  Christ. — Judas  Despairs .  430 

LXXVI.  Jesus  before  Pilate  and  Herod .  433 

LXXVII.  Jesus  is  Scourged,  Crowned  with  Thorns,  and 

Condemned  to  Death . 435 

LXXVIII.  Jesus  Carries  His  Cross  and  is  Crucified . 438 

LXXIX.  Jesus  Speaks  the  Seven  Last  Words  and  Dies  on 

the  Cross .  439 

LXXX.  Jesus  is  Laid  in  the  Sepulchre . 444 

LXXXI.  The  Resurrection  of  Christ . . 446 

LXXXII.  Jesus  appears  to  Mary  Magdalen  and  St.  Peter..  449 

LXXXIII.  Jesus  appears  to  Two  of  His  Disciples  on  the 

Way  to  Emmaus .  451 

LXXXI V.  Jesus  appears  to  the  Assembled  Apostles  and 

Institutes  the  Sacrament  of  Penance . 453 

LXXXV.  Jesus  makes  St.  Peter  the  Supreme  Pastor  of  His 

Flock .  457 

LXXXVI.  Jesus  Promises  the  Holy  Ghost  to  the  Apostles, 
Sends  them  out  to  Preach  to  the  Whole  World, 

and  Ascends  into  Heaven . 459 

LXXXVII.  The  Election  of  Matthias  and  the  Descent  of  the 

Holy  Ghost . 462 

LXXXVIII.  St.  Peter  Cures  a  Man  who  was  Born  Lame. — 

He  and  St.  John  are  brought  before  the 

Council . 465 

LXXXIX.  Ananias  and  Saphira . 467 


14 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XC.  The  Twelve  Apostles  in  Prison. — Gamaliel’s  Coun¬ 
sel . 469 

XCI.  The  Election  of  the  Deacons. — Stephen  is  the  First 

Martyr .  471 

XCII.  The  Sacrament  of  Confirmation. — The  Baptism  of 

the  Officer  of  Queen  Candace  of  Ethiopia .  474 

XCIII.  The  Conversion  of  Saul . 477 

XCIV.  Peter’s  Journey. — He  raises  Tabitha  to  Life . 479 

XCV.  The  Conversion  of  Cornelius  and  the  Christians  at 

Antioch . 480 

XCVI.  Peter  in  Prison .  482 

XCVII.  St.  Paul’s  First  Mission  (a.d.  45-48) .  484 

XCVIII.  The  Council  of  Jerusalem .  487 

XCIX.  St.  Paul’s  Second  Mission  (a.d.  51-54) .  489 

C.  St.  Paul’s  Third  Mission  (a.d.  55-58)...., .  492 

Cl.  The  Last  Years  of  the  Apostles . 493 

CII.  The  First  Centuries  of  the  Church. . . 494 

Alphabetical  Index .  497 


PRACTICAL  EXPLANATION  AND  AP¬ 
PLICATION  OF  BIBLE  HISTORY. 


THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 

THE  PRIMITIVE  AGES. 


I.  THE  CREATION  OF  THE  WORLD  AND  THE 
INSTITUTION  OF  THE  SABBATH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  created  heaven  and  earth  and 
all  things,  and  how  He  created  them. 

When  did  God  create  heaven  and  earth  and  all 
things  ? 

God  created  them  “in  the  beginning,”  that  is,  in 
the  beginning  of  time. 

What  do  we  see  from  this  ? 

We  see  from  this  that  the  world  is  not  eternal. 

Who  is  eternal? 

God  alone  is  eternal. 

What  does  “create”  mean? 

To  “  create  ”  means  to  make  out  of  nothing. 

15 


16 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


How  was  it  possible  for  God  to  create  the  world  if 
there  was  nothing  out  of  which  to  make  it? 

It  was  possible  because  God  is  almighty. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is 
almighty  ? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  almighty,  we  mean  that 
He  can  do  all  things  and  nothing  is  hard  or  impossible 
to  Him. 

Why  is  God  called  the  Creator? 

God  is  called  the  Creator  because  He  made  heaven 
and  earth  and  all  things  out  of  nothing. 

In  what  condition  was  the  earth  when  God  created 
it? 

It  was  “  void  and  empty,”  that  is  to  say,  it  was  not 
in  its  present  orderly  condition  and  was  not  inhabited 
by  living  beings. 

What  else  do  we  know  about  the  earth  in  its  primi¬ 
tive  condition? 

We  know  that  it  was  covered  with  water  and  dark¬ 
ness. 

What  happened  at  the  creation? 

At  the  creation,  “the  Spirit  of  God  moved  over  the 
waters.” 

What  did  God  create  on  the  first  day? 

On  the  first  day  He  created  the  light. 

Why  did  He  create  the  light  first? 

God  created  the  light  first  because  without  light 
nothing  could  live. 

What  did  God  create  on  the  second  day  ? 

On  the  second  day  He  created  the  firmament. 

What  do  we  mean  by  firmament? 

By  firmament  we  mean  the  sky. 


The  Creation  of  the  World. 


17 


What  else  do  we  understand  by  firmament? 

By  firmament  we  also  understand  the  atmosphere. 

What  did  God  create  on  the  third  day? 

On  the  third  day  He  created  the  different  bodies  of 
water  and  the  firm  land. 

How  did  God  do  this? 

God  caused  the  waters  to  be  gathered  together  in 
one  place,  so  that  the  dry  land  appeared. 

With  what  did  God  cover  the  dry  land? 

God  covered  the  land  with  grass,  flowers,  and  fruit¬ 
bearing  trees. 

What  happened  on  the  fourth  day? 

On  the  fourth  day  God  created  the  sun,  moon,  and 
stars,  and  placed  them  in  the  heavens. 

What  did  God  create  on  the  fifth  day  ? 

On  the  fifth  day  He  created  fish  and  birds  of  every 
kind. 

What  did  God  create  on  the  sixth  day? 

On  the  sixth  day  He  created  all  kinds  of  animals 
that  inhabit  the  earth,  and  last  of  all  man. 

What  were  all  things  that  God  created? 

All  things  that  God  created  were  good. 

Why  were  they  good? 

They  were  good  because  they  answered  the  purpose 
for  which  they  had  been  created. 

Why  did  God  create  the  world? 

God  created  the  world  for  two  reasons:  (1),  For  His 
own  honor  and  glory;  and  (2),  For  the  benefit  of  man. 

What  did  God  do  on  the  seventh  day? 

On  the  seventh  day  He  rested,  blessed  it,  and  made 

it  holy. 


18 


The  Primitive  Ages . 


What  does  “  God  rested”  mean? 

It  means  that  He  ceased  to  create. 

What  does  God  still  do  for  the  world? 

He  still  preserves  and  governs  it. 

How  does  God  preserve  the  world? 

God  preserves  the  world  by  causing  it  to  continue 
to  exist. 

How  does  God  govern  the  world? 

God  governs  the  world  by  taking  care  of  all  things 
and  arranging  them  so  as  to  carry  out  His  will. 

But  if  God  takes  care  of  every  one,  why  does  He 
allow  so  many  to  suffer? 

God  allows  many  to  suffer:  (1),  To  turn  the 
thoughts  of  the  sinner  to  Himself,  that  he  may  be  con¬ 
verted  and  save  his  soul;  (2),  That  the  just  may  have  an 
opportunity  of  following  in  the  footsteps  of  Christ  and 
laying  up  for  themselves  treasures  in  heaven. 

How  did  God  bless  the  Sabbath  and  make  it  holy? 

God  blessed  the  Sabbath  and  made  it  holy  by  set¬ 
ting  it  aside  for  His  own  special  service. 

Was  Sunday  the  Lord’s  day  in  the  Old  Testament? 

No,  Saturday  or  the  Sabbath  was  the  Lord’s  day  in 
the  Old  Testament. 

What  day  do  Christians  keep  holy? 

Christians  keep  Sunday  holy. 

Who  changed  the  Lord’s  day  from  Saturday  to 
Sunday  ? 

The  Catholic  Church  changed  it. 

Why  had  the  Church  a  right  to  change  it  ? 

The  Church  had  a  right  to  change  it,  because  it  is 
the  representative  of  Christ  on  earth. 


19 


The  Creation  and  Fall  of  the  Angels. 

What  induced  the  Church  to  make  this  change  ? 

The  Church  was  induced  to  make  this  change  be¬ 
cause  Sunday  was  the  day  on  which  her  divine  Founder 
rose  from  the  dead,  and  on  which  the  Holy  Ghost  de¬ 
scended  on  the  Apostles. 

Can  Protestants  consistently  observe  Sunday  instead 
of  Saturday? 

No,  because  they  believe  only  what  they  find  in 
Holy  Scripture,  and  Holy  Scripture  does  not  tell  us  to 
keep  Sunday,  but  the  Sabbath. 

Which  attributes  did  God  manifest  in  creating  the 
world  ? 

In  creating  the  world,  God  manifested  His  almighty 
power,  His  wisdom,  and  His  goodness. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  thankful  to  God 
for  all  He  has  done  for  us. 

How  can  we  show  that  we  are  thankful  to  God? 

We  can  show  that  we  are  thankful  to  God:  (1),  By 
saying  our  prayers  regularly  morning  and  night,  before 
and  after  meals;  (2),  By  keeping  holy  the  Lord’s  day. 

How  do  we  keep  holy  the  Lord’s  day? 

We  keep  holy  the  Lord’s  day  by  attending  Mass 
a^nd  abstaining  from  servile  works. 


II.  THE  CREATION  AND  FALL  OF  THE 

ANGELS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  created  the  angels,  and  that 
many  of  them  sinned  and  were  punished. 


20 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


What  are  angels  ? 

Angels  are  pure  spirits. 

What  is  a  spirit  ? 

A  spirit  is  a  being  without  a  body,  that  has  intelli¬ 
gence  and  a  free  will. 

Is  God  a  spirit? 

Yes,  God  is  a  spirit. 

What,  then,  is  the  difference  between  God  and  an 
angel? 

An  angel  is  a  created,  finite,  and  imperfect  spirit; 
God  is  an  uncreated,  eternal,  and  infinitely  perfect 
spirit. 

Why  do  we  say  that  God  is  “  infinitely  ”  perfect? 

We  say  that  He  is  “  infinitely  ”  perfect  because 
there  is  no  measure  or  limit  to  His  perfection. 

In  what  condition  were  the  angels  when  God  cre¬ 
ated  them? 

They  were  all  good  and  happy. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  angels  were  good  ? 

We  know  that  the  angels  were  good  because  they 
were  endowed  with  sanctifying  grace. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  angels  were  happy? 

We  know  that  they  were  happy  because  they  saw 
God  face  to  face. 

Did  they  remain  good? 

No,  some  of  them  sinned  and  lost  sanctifying  grace. 

What  sin  did  they  commit? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  pride. 

When  do  we  sin  by  pride  ? 

We  sin  by  pride  as  often  as  we  attribute  to  our¬ 
selves  good  qualities  which  we  do  not  possess,  refuse 
to  give  God  credit  for  them,  or  despise  our  fellow-men. 


The  Creation  and  Fall  of  the  Angels.  21 

How  did  the  angels  sin  by  pride  ? 

They  sinned  by  pride  because  they  said:  “  We  shall 
he  like  unto  the  Most  High;  we  shall  place  our  throne 
above  the  stars.” 

Did  all  the  angels  sin? 

Ho,  many  of  them  remained  faithful  and  contended 
with  the  wicked  angels. 

How  did  they  contend  with  the  wicked  angels? 

They  contended  with  the  wicked  angels  by  resist¬ 
ing  their  temptation  to  lead  them  into  sin. 

What  was  the  result  of  the  combat? 

The  wicked  angels  were  defeated  and  cast  into  hell. 

What  are  the  wicked  angels  called  ? 

They  are  called  devils. 

Which  attribute  of  God  do  we  see  in  the  punish¬ 
ment  of  the  angels? 

In  the  punishment  of  the  angels  we  see  the  justice 

of  God. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is  all-just? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  all-just  we  mean  that  God 
rewards  and  punishes  us  strictly  according  to  our 
deserts. 

Who  was  the  leader  of  the  good  angels  ? 

St.  Michael,  the  Archangel,  was  their  leader. 

What  does  the  name  “  Michael  ”  mean  ? 

“  Michael  ”  means,  “  Who  is  like  God.” 

In  what  relation  does  St.  Michael  stand  to  the 
Catholic  Church? 

St.  Michael  is  the  patron  saint  of  the  Church. 

When  does  the  Church  ask  his  protection? 

The  Church  asks  his  protection  after  every  Low 


22 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


Mass,  when  she  says  through  the  priest  the  prayers  pre¬ 
scribed  by  our  Holy  Father  the  Pope. 

How  are  the  good  angels  divided? 

They  are  divided  into  nine  choirs. 

Name  the  nine  choirs  of  angels. 

Angels,  Archangels,  Seraphim,  Cherubim,  Virtues, 
Thrones,  Dominations,  Principalities,  and  Powers. 

Mention  one  of  the  offices  of  the  angels. 

They  are  messengers  from  God  to  man. 

Give  some  instances  showing  that  they  are  mes¬ 
sengers  of  God. 

Raphael  was  sent  by  God  to  guide  the  younger 
Tobias,  and  Gabriel  was  sent  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  to 
announce  to  her  that  she  was  to  be  the  Mother  of  God. 

What  do  we  call  those  angels  who  are  sent  to  pro¬ 
tect  us? 

We  call  them  guardian  angels. 

How  should  we  act  towards  our  guardian  angels  ? 

We  should  pray  to  them  daily,  and  follow  their  in¬ 
spirations. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Guardian 
Angels  ? 

We  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Guardian  Angels  on 
the  second  of  October. 

How  are  the  bad  angels  disposed  towards  us? 

They  hate  and  envy  us  and  try  to  lead  us  into  sin. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  resist  the  attacks  of  the 
wicked  angels  by  prayer  and  watchfulness,  and  follow 
the  inspiration  of  our  guardian  angels. 


The  Creation  of  the  First  Man. 


23 


III.  THE  CREATION  OF  THE  FIRST  MAN.— 
PARADISE.— THE  CREATION  OF  EYE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  created  man,  placed  him  in  the 
garden  of  paradise,  and  gave  him  a  commandment. 

On  what  day  did  God  create  man? 

God  created  man  on  the  sixth  day. 

What  did  God  do  just  before  He  created  man? 

Just  before  God  created  man,  He  said:  “  Let  us 
make  man  to  our  image  and  likeness;  and  let  him  have 
dominion  over  the  fishes  of  the  sea  and  the  fowls  of  the 
air,  and  the  beasts,  and  the  whole  earth.” 

What  do  the  words  “  let  us  make  ”  imply  ? 

They  imply  that  the  three  divine  Persons  consulted 
with  each  other  before  creating  man. 

Why  are  they  represented  as  consulting  with  each 
other  ? 

They  are  represented  as  consulting  with  each  other, 
because  man  is  superior  to  the  other  animals. 

Why  is  man  superior  to  the  other  creatures  of  God  ? 

Man  is  superior  to  the  other  creatures  of  God,  be¬ 
cause  he  has  an  immortal  soul. 

How  did  God  create  the  first  man? 

He  formed  his  body  of  the  slime  of  the  earth,  and 
breathed  into  it  an  immortal  soul. 

Whose  image  is  the  soul? 

The  soul  is  the  image  of  God. 

How  is  the  soul  the  image  of  God? 

The  soul  is  the  image  of  God  because  it  has  a 
natural  and  supernatural  likeness  to  God. 


24 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


In  what  does  the  natural  likeness  consist? 

The  natural  likeness  consists  in  the  soul  being  im¬ 
mortal,  and  endowed  with  understanding  and  free  will. 

In  what  does  the  supernatural  likeness  consist? 

The  supernatural  likeness  consists  in  the  soul  being 
adorned  with  sanctifying  grace. 

Did  the  first  man  possess  any  other  gifts? 

Yes,  he  also  possessed  what  is  called  preternatural 
gifts. 

Name  them. 

(1),  He  was  endowed  with  great  knowledge;  (2),  He 
was  free  from  concupiscence;  (3),  His  body  was  not 
subject  to  suffering  or  death. 

What  do  we  mean  by  concupiscence? 

By  concupiscence  we  mean  the  leaning  of  the  will 
towards  exterior  things  against  our  better  judgment. 

Why  are  these  gifts  called  preternatural? 

They  are  called  preternatural,  not  supernatural,  be¬ 
cause  they  do  not  raise  man  to  a  higher  order,  but  tend 
to  perfect  him  in  the  natural  order. 

Were  these  gifts  intended  only  for  the  first  man? 

No,  they  were  intended  also  for  all  his  descendants. 

Who  was  the  first  man  ? 

The  first  man  was  Adam,  which  means  man  from 
the  earth. 

Where  did  the  first  man  live? 

He  lived  in  paradise,  a  most  beautiful  garden. 

Why  did  God  place  Adam  in  a  garden  of  paradise  ? 

God  placed  Adam  in  a  garden  of  paradise  that  he 
might  till  the  soil  and  be  happy,  and  thus  gain  a  fore¬ 
taste  of  the  happiness  that  awaited  him  in  the  heavenly 
paradise. 


The  Creation  of  the  First  Man. 


25 


How  was  Adam  to  gain  the  heavenly  paradise  ? 

Adam  was  to  gain  the  heavenly  paradise  by  stand¬ 
ing  a  test. 

In  what  did  this  test  consist? 

It  consisted  in  keeping  one  commandment. 

What  was  the  commandment? 

God  said  to  Adam:  “  Of  every  tree  of  paradise 
thou  shalt  eat,  but  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil  thou  shalt  not  eat;  for  in  what  day  soever  thou 
shalt  eat  of  it,  thou  shalt  die  the  death.” 

Was  it  difficult  to  keep  this  commandment? 

No,  it  was  easy  for  Adam  to  resist  all  temptation, 
as  his  will  was  not  yet  prone  to  evil. 

Did  God  give  a  companion  to  Adam  ? 

Yes,  He  gave  him  Eve  for  a  companion. 

How  did  God  create  the  first  woman  ? 

God  caused  a  deep  sleep  to  come  over  Adam,  took 
one  of  his  ribs  and  formed  a  woman  of  it. 

Why  did  God  form  Eve  from  a  rib  of  Adam  ? 

God  formed  Eve  from  a  rib  of  Adam  to  signify  the 
attachment  that  should  exist  between  man  and  wife. 

What  does  the  word  “  Eve  ”  mean? 

“  Eve  ”  means  mother  of  the  living. 

Who  instituted  marriage? 

God  Himself  instituted  marriage. 

When  and  where  did  God  institute  marriage  ? 

God  instituted  marriage  in  the  garden  of  paradise 
when  He  led  Eve  to  Adam. 

What  follows  from  the  fact  that  God  joined  man 
and  wife  in  one  flesh? 

It  follows  from  this,  that  marriage  can  never  be 
dissolved.  (Matt.  ix.  6.) 


26 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


How  did  Christ  our  Lord  sanctify  marriage  ? 

Christ  sanctified  marriage  by  raising  it  to  the 
dignity  of  a  sacrament,  and  making  it  a  type  of  the 
union  between  Himself  and  His  Church. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  never  to  stain  041*  soul, 
the  image  of  its  Creator,  with  mortal  sin. 


IV.  THE  FALL  OF  OUR  FIRST  PARENTS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  our  first  parents  broke  God’s  com¬ 
mandment. 

Who  tempted  the  first  man  to  sin  ? 

Satan  tempted  him  to  sin. 

Why  did  Satan  tempt  man  to  sin  ? 

Satan  tempted  him  because  he  hated  God  and  was 
jealous  of  man’s  happiness. 

When  do  we  sin  by  jealousy  or  envy? 

We  sin  by  jealousy  or  envy  as  often  as  we  are 
grieved  at  the  good  fortune  of  another  and  rejoice  at 
his  misfortune. 

How  did  Satan  tempt  man? 

He  assumed  the  form  of  a  serpent  and  began  to 
tempt  Eve  by  doubts,  pride,  sensual  pleasure,  and, 
finally,  unbelief. 

How  do  we  know  that  Satan  assumed  the  form  of  a 
serpent  ? 

We  know  this,  because  the  serpent  spoke  intelli¬ 
gently. 


The  Fall  of  our  First  Parents .  27 

How  did  Satan  tempt  Eve  to  doubt? 

He  tempted  her  to  doubt  by  saying:  “Why  had 
God  commanded  you,  that  you  should  not  eat  of  every 
tree  of  paradise?  ” 

How  did  this  tempt  her  to  doubt  ? 

It  tempted  her  to  doubt  because  it  suggested  the 
thought  that  God  had  no  right,  to  give  this  command. 

Could  Eve  see  that  this  was  a  temptation  ? 

Certainly,  because  she  might  know  that  a  good 
spirit  would  not  question  God’s  right  to  command. 

So  what  should  Eve  have  done? 

She  should  have  fled  at  once  from  the  serpent. 

But  what  did  she  do  ? 

Instead  of  fleeing,  she  began  to  discuss  the  question 
with  the  serpent. 

How  did  Satan  tempt  her  to  pride  ? 

Satan  tempted  her  to  pride  by  saying,  “  If  you  eat 
of  the  fruit  of  this  tree,  your  eyes  shall  be  opened,  and 
you  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing  good  and  evil.” 

How  did  he  tempt  her  to  unbelief? 

He  tempted  her  to  unbelief  by  saying:  “No,  you 
shall  not  die.” 

How  did  these  words  contain  a  temptation  to  un¬ 
belief  ? 

These  words  tended  to  make  Eve  doubt  the  truth¬ 
fulness  of  God,  who  had  said:  “  For  in  what  day  so¬ 
ever  thou  shalt  eat  of  it,  thou  shalt  die  the  death.” 

How  was  Eve  finally  led  to  sin  ? 

Eve  was  finally  led  to  sin  by  her  sensual  appetite. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  Holy  Scripture: 


28 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


“  And  tlie  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  to  eat, 
and  fair  to  the  eyes  and  delightful  to  behold.” 

What  is  sin  ? 

Sin  is  any  thought,  word,  deed,  or  omission  against 
the  law  of  God. 

Did  Eve  sin  by  thought? 

Yes,  because  she  doubted  the  truthfulness  of  God. 

Did  she  sin  by  desire  ? 

Yes,  because  she  desired  to  be  like  God. 

Did  she  sin  by  deed? 

Yes,  because  she  ate  the  forbidden  fruit. 

Did  she  sin  by  word  ? 

Yes,  because  she  induced  Adam  to  eat. 

\ 

Did  Adam  and  Eve  commit  a  mortal  sin? 

Yes,  because  they  freely  and  deliberately  broke  an 
important  commandment  of  God. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  an  important  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

We  know  that  it  was  an  important  commandment, 
because  their  own  happiness  and  their  descendants’ 
depended  on  it. 

When  do  we  notice  the  first  consequences  of  their 
sin? 

We  notice  the  consequences  at  once:  “  And  the 
eyes  of  them  both  were  opened,  and  they  perceived 
they  were  naked. 

Were  their  eyes  opened  as  the  devil  promised? 

Their  eyes  were  opened,  hut  not  as  the  devil  prom¬ 
ised  to  their  glory,  hut  to  their  shame. 

How  many  were  the  consequences  of  this  sin  ? 

The  consequences  were  two-fold;  for  the  soul  and 
the  body. 


The  Fall  of  our  First  Parents. 


29 


What  were  the  consequences  for  the  soul? 

The  soul  lost  sanctifying  grace,  the  understanding 
was  darkened,  and  the  will  weakened. 

Can  you  give  a  proof  showing  that  their  under¬ 
standing  was  darkened  ? 

They  tried  to  hide  themselves  from  the  sight  of 
God. 

What  were  the  consequences  for  the  body? 

The  body  was  doomed  to  sickness  and  death. 

Did  our  first  parents  injure  others  besides  themselves 
by  their  sin? 

Yes,  they  injured  all  their  descendants. 

How  did  they  injure  their  descendants? 

They  injured  their  descendants  because  their  sin 
and  its  consequences  were  transmitted  to  them. 

What  is  this  sin  called? 

It  is  called  original  sin. 

Did  we  all  commit  original  sin? 

No,  we  did  not  commit  it  ourselves,  but  we  in¬ 
herited  it  with  our  human  nature. 

How  could  Adam  transmit  this  sin  to  all  his  de¬ 
scendants? 

He  could  transmit  this  sin  to  his  descendants,  be¬ 
cause  he  received  sanctifying  grace  not  as  an  indi¬ 
vidual,  but  as  the  head  of  the  whole  human  race. 

In  what  does  original  sin  consist  ? 

It  consists  in  the  absence  of  sanctifying  grace, 
which,  according  to  God’s  will,  ought  to  be  in  our  soul. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  God  is  truthful  ? 

When  we  say  God  is  truthful,  we  mean  that  He 
always  tells  the  truth,  because  He  can  neither  deceive 
nor  be  deceived. 


30 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  flee  temptation  and  not 
to  parley  with  Satan. 

V.  THE  PUNISHMENT  OF  THE  SIN  OF  OUR 

FIRST  PARENTS  AND  THE  PROMISE  OF  A 

REDEEMER. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  God  punished  the  sin  of  our  first  par¬ 
ents  and  promised  a  Redeemer. 

Whom  did  God  punish? 

God  punished  the  serpent,  the  devil,  Adam  and 
Eve. 

Why  did  God  punish  the  serpent? 

God  punished  the  serpent  because  it  was  the  instru¬ 
ment  which  Satan  employed  to  tempt  man  to  sin. 

How  did  God  punish  the  serpent? 

God  said  to  the  serpent:  “  Because  thou  hast  done 
this  thing  thou  art  cursed  among  all  cattle  and  beasts 
of  the  earth:  upon  thy  breast  shalt  thou  go,  and  earth 
shalt  thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life.” 

Must  we  conclude  from  these  words  that  the  serpent 
walked  upright  before  it  was  cursed? 

No,  it  may  have  crawled  before  the  curse  just  as  it 
does  now,  but  its  crawling  from  that  time  was  the  sign 
that  it  was  cursed. 

Can  you  give  a  similar  example  in  the  Old  Testa¬ 
ment? 

Yes;  the  rainbow  did  not  appear  for  the  first  time 
after  the  Deluge,  but  from  that  time  it  became  the  sign 
of  a  covenant  between  God  and  man. 


Punishment  of  Sin ,  Promised  Redeemer .  31 

Why  did  God  punish  Satan? 

God  punished  Satan  because  he  tempted  Adam  and 
Eve. 

How  did  He  punish  Satan*? 

He  said:  “  I  will  put  enmities  between  thee  and  the 
woman,  and  thy  seed  and  her  seed;  she  shall  crush  thy 
head,  and  thou  shalt  lie  in  wTait  for  her  heel.” 

Who  are  the  seed  of  Satan? 

All  evil  spirits  and  those  who  are  hardened  in  sin 
are  the  seed  of  Satan. 

Who  is  the  seed  of  the  woman? 

Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  horn  in  time  of  the 
Virgin  Mary,  is  the  seed  of  the  woman. 

What  was  the  punishment  inflicted  on  Satan  ? 

The  punishment  inflicted  on  Satan  was  the  victory 
which  Mary  was  to  win  over  him. 

In  what  did  the  victory  of  Mary  over  Satan  consist  ? 

The  victory  of  Mary  over  Satan  consisted:  (1),  In 
her  being  free  from  original  sin,  and  all  actual  sin;  (2), 
In  giving  birth  to  the  Redeemer,  who,  by  His  death  and 
resurrection,  broke  the  power  of  sin  and  Satan. 

Is  it  true  that  original  sin  was  inherited  by  all? 

No,  there  is  one  exception,  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  ? 

We  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Immaculate  Concep¬ 
tion  on  the  eighth  of  December. 

Where  did  God  first  promise  a  Redeemer? 

God  first  promised  a  Redeemer  in  the  garden  of 
paradise. 

To  whom  did  He  promise  a  Redeemer? 

He  promised  a  Redeemer  to  our  first  parents. 


32 


The  Primitive  Ages 


When  did  He  promise  a  Redeemer? 

God  promised  a  Redeemer  when  He  said  that  He 
would  place  enmities  between  Satan  and  Mary,  between 
Satan’s  seed  and  the  seed  of  Mary. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  manifest  ? 

It  manifests  His  mercy. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  God  is  merciful? 

When  we  say  God  is  merciful,  we  mean  that  He  is 
always  ready  to  pardon  the  truly  penitent  sinner. 

What  would  have  happened  to  man  if  God  had  not 
had  mercy  on  him? 

If  God  had  not  had  mercy  on  man  he  would  have 
been  excluded  forever  from  heaven. 

How  long  was  it  before  the  promise  of  a  Redeemer 
was  fulfilled? 

It  was  about  four  thousand  years. 

Is  there  anything  in  the  liturgy  of  the  Church 
which  reminds  us  of  this  time? 

Yes,  the  four  weeks  of  Advent  remind  us  of  the 
four  thousand  years  before  the  promise  of  a  Redeemer 
was  fulfilled. 

Did  the  just  in  the  Old  Testament  pray  for  a  Re¬ 
deemer? 

Yes,  they  prayed:  “  Drop  down  dew,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  clouds  rain  the  just;  let  the 
earth  be  opened  and  hud  forth  a  Saviour.” 

Whom  did  Adam  blame  for  his  sin? 

He  blamed  Eve.  He  said:  “The  woman  whom 
Thou  gavest  me  to  he  my  companion,  gave  me  of  the 
tree,  and  I  did  eat.” 


Punishment  of  Sin ,  and  Promised  Redeemer.  33 

And  whom  did  Eve  blame? 

Eve  blamed  the  serpent.  She  said:  “  The  serpent 
deceived  me,  and  I  did  eat.” 

How  did  God  punish  Eve? 

God  said  to  Eve:  “  In  sorrow  shalt  thou  bring  forth 
children.” 

How  did  God  punish  Adam? 

God  said  to  Adam:  “  Cursed  is  the  earth  in  thy 
work:  with  labor  and  toil  shalt  thou  eat  thereof  all  the 
days  of  thy  life; ...  in  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou 
eat  bread,  till  thou  return  to  the  earth,  out  of  which 
thou  wast  taken.” 

In  what  did  Adam’s  temporal  punishment  consist  ? 

Adam’s  temporal  punishment  was  twofold:  (1),  The 
earth  no  longer  brought  forth  fruit  of  itself,  but  Adam 
had  to  work  hard  to  make  it  yield  a  living;  (2),  He  was 
doomed  to  sickness  and  death. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  manifest  ? 

It  manifests  His  justice. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  God  is  faithful  ? 

When  we  say  God  is  faithful  we  mean  that  He  keeps 
His  promises  and  carries  out  His  threats. 

Of  whom  is  Adam  a  type  ? 

Adam  is  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ. 

How  is  Adam  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ? 

Adam  is  the  head  of  the  whole  human  race  in  the 
natural  order,  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  human  race  in 
the  supernatural  order;  Adam,  by  his  sin,  lost  us 
heaven,  Christ,  by  His  victory,  regained  it  for  us; 
through  Adam,  sin  and  death  entered  the  world, 
through  Christ,  grace  and  life  eternal 


34 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  look  on  sin  as  the 
greatest  evil  and  to  think  frequently  of  death. 

At  what  time  especially  does  the  Church  remind  us 
of  death? 

The  Church  reminds  us  of  death  especially  on  Ash- 
Wednesday,  when  she  strews  ashes  on  our  head. 


VI.  CAIN  AND  ABEL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Cain  killed  his  brother  Abel,  and  was 
punished  for  it  by  God* 

Who  were  Cain  and  Abel? 

Cain  and  Abel  were  the  oldest  sons  of  Adam  and 
Eve. 

What  was  Cain? 

Cain  was  a  farmer,  a  tiller  of  the  soil. 

What  was  Abel? 

Abel  was  a  shepherd. 

Was  Abel  a  just  man? 

Yes,  because  he  adored  God,  and  believed  in  the 
coming  Kedeemer. 

What  offering  did  Cain  make  to  God? 

Cain  offered  the  fruits  of  the  earth. 

What  offering  did  Abel  make? 

Abel  offered  the  firstlings  of  his  flock. 

Was  God  pleased  with  the  offering  of  Abel? 

Yes,  God  was  pleased  with  the  offering  of  Abel. 

Was  He  pleased  with  the  offering  of  Cain? 

No,  God  was  not  pleased  with  the  offering  of  Cain. 


Cain  and  Abel. 


35 


Why  was  Cain’s  offering  displeasing  to  God? 

Cain’s  offering  was  displeasing  to  God  because  he 
did  not  have  a  good  intention. 

What  does  God  consider  in  all  our  good  works? 

God  always  considers  the  intention  with  which  we 
perform  our  good  works. 

What  do  we  mean  by  “  a  good  intention  ”  ? 

By  “  a  good  intention  ”  we  mean  a  desire  to  do  all 
things  for  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

How  did  Cain  act  after  God  had  refused  his  offer¬ 
ing? 

He  became  very  angry,  and  jealous  of  his  brother 
Abel. 

When  do  v/e  sin  by  anger  ? 

We  sin  by  anger  as  often  as  we  lose  our  temper, 
scold  or  curse,  and  give  way  to  feelings  of  revenge. 

What  did  God  do  when  He  saw  that  Cain  was  angry 
and  jealous? 

When  God  saw  that  Cain  was  angry  and  jealous 
He  said  to  him:  “  Why  art  thou  angry,  and  why  is  thy 
countenance  fallen?  If  thou  do  well,  shalt  thou  not 
receive?  but  if  ill,  shall  not  sin  forthwith  be  present 
at  the  door?  but  the  lust  thereof  shall  be  under  thee, 
and  thou  shalt  have  dominion  over  it.” 

What  did  God  express  by  these  words? 

By  these  words  God  expressed  His  willingness  to  re¬ 
ceive  Cain’s  offering  when  he  was  free  from  sin,  and 
warned  him  against  further  sin. 

Which  attribute  of  God  do  these  words  manifest  ? 

They  manifest  His  mercy  and  forbearance. 

Did  Cain  heed  the  warning  of  God? 

Ho,  Cain  did  not  heed  the  warning  of  God, 


36 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


What  did  his  sinful  thoughts  lead  to? 

They  led  to  a  sinful  act. 

What  was  the  sinful  act? 

He  slew  his  brother  Abel. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  murder  belong? 

Murder  belongs  to  the  class  of  sins  that  cry  to 
heaven  for  vengeance. 

How  many  sins  cry  to  heaven  for  vengeance? 

There  are  four  sins  that  cry  to  heaven  for  ven¬ 
geance:  Murder,  sodomy,  defrauding  laborers  of  their 
wages,  and  oppression  of  the  widow  and  orphan. 

How  did  Cain  commit  murder? 

Cain  said  to  Abel  one  day:  “  Let  us  go  forth 
abroad/’  And  Abel,  suspecting  nothing,  followed  him, 
and  when  they  were  in  the  field  together,  Cain  rose  up 
and  killed  him. 

What  did  God  do  as  soon  as  Cain  had  killed  Abel? 

God  said  to  Cain,  “  Where  is  thy  brother  Abel? 

What  did  these  words  contain? 

They  contained  the  grace  of  repentance. 

Did  Cain  accept  the  grace? 

No,  he  remained  stubborn  and  hardened  in  his  sin. 

How  do  we  know  that  Cain  remained  hardened  in 
his  sin? 

We  know  this  from  the  answer  he  gave  Almighty 
God.  He  said:  “I  know  not:  Am  I  my  brother's 
keeper?  ” 

What  did  God  do  after  Cain  rejected  His  grace? 

After  Cain  rejected  His  grace  God  punished  him. 

How  did  God  punish  Cain? 

God  said  to  Cain:  “  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  upon  the 
earth.  .  .  .  When  thou  shalt  till  it  it  shall  not  yield  to 


Gain  and  Abel . 


37 


thee  its  fruit.  A  fugitive  and  vagabond  shalt  thou  he 
upon  the  earth.” 

What  effect  did  God’s  curse  have  on  Cain? 

He  began  to  despair. 

How  do  we  sin  by  despair? 

We  sin  by  despair  when  we  lose  all  hope  in  God's 
mercy. 

How  did  God  show  His  mercy  towards  Cain? 

God  set  a  mark  on  Cain  that  whosoever  found  him 
should  not  kill  him.  God  said:  “  Whosoever  shall  kill 
Cain  shall  be  punished  sevenfold." 

Was  Cain  guilty  of  any  other  sins  besides  murder? 

Yes,  he  was  gu i  1  tyr  of  anger,  stubbornness,  and 
jealousy. 

Of  whom  is  Abel  a  type? 

Abel  is  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ.  Abel  offered  sacri¬ 
fice,  Jesus  sacrificed  Himself;  Abel  was  the  victim  of 
his  brother’s  jealousy,  Jesus  was  the  victim  of  the 
jealousy  of  the  Pharisees;  the  blood  of  Abel  cried  to 
heaven  for  vengeance,  the  blood  of  Jesus  cried  to  the 
Father  for  mercy. 

Of  whom  is  Cain  a  figure  ? 

Cain  is  a  figure  of  the  Jews.  Cain  was  jealous  of 
his  brother,  the  Jews  were  jealous  of  Christ;  Cain  re¬ 
jected  God’s  grace,  so  did  the  Jews;  Cain  killed  the 
innocent  Abel,  the  Jews  put  the  innocent  Jesus  to 
death;  Cain  became  a  wanderer  on  the  earth,  so  did 
the  Jews. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  make  a  good  in¬ 
tention  every  morning;  (2),  To  be  kind  to  our  brothers 


3S 


The  Primitive  Ages. 

and  sisters;  (3),  Not  to  reject  the  grace  of  God,  but  to 
repent  of  our  sins. 


VII.  THE  MULTIPLICATION  OF  THE  SONS  OF 
MEN,  THEIR  SINS. — THE  DELUGE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  men  grew  more  and  more  numerous 
and  wicked,  until  finally  they  were  all  destroyed  by  the 
Deluge,  with  the  exception  of  one  family. 

How  long  did  Adam  live? 

He  lived  nine  hundred  and  thirty  years. 

Was  Adam  the  only  one  who  lived  so  long? 

No,  his  nearest  descendants  lived  as  long  as  he  did. 

How  was  Revelation  transmitted  from  Adam  to 
Moses? 

Revelation  was  transmitted  from  Adam,  to  Moses 
by  word  of  mouth. 

Were  the  descendants  of  Adam  good? 

Some  were  good,  and  others  were  bad. 

What  were  the  good  called? 

The  good  were  called  the  children  of  God  and  were 
the  descendants  of  Seth. 

What  were  the  wicked  called? 

The  wicked  were  called  the  children  of  men  and 
were  the  descendants  of  Cain. 

Did  the  children  of  God  and  the  children  of  men 
remain  apart? 

No,  they  intermarried. 

What  was  the  result  of  their  intermarrying? 

The  result  was  that  the  wicked  became  more 
numerous,  and  were  soon  in  the  majority. 


Multiplication  of  the  Sons  of  Men ,  their  Sins.  39 

Why  did  this  happen? 

It  happened  because  the  good  are  injured  by  the 
companionship  of  the  wicked,  rather  than  the  wicked 
are  converted  by  the  good. 

What  did  God  determine  to  do  when  He  saw  the 
wickedness  of  the  world? 

He  determined  to  destroy  all  mankind  by  a  deluge. 

Was  any  one  to  be  saved  from  the  Deluge? 

Yes,  Noe  and  his  family  were  to  be  saved. 

Why  did  God  wish  to  save  Noe  and  his  family? 

God  wished  to  save  Noe  and  his  family  because  they 
led  pious  lives.* 

What  did  God  do  ? 

God  made  a  covenant  with  Noe. 

What  was  the  object  of  the  covenant? 

The  covenant  was  a  pledge  that  God  would  save 
Noe  and  make  him  the  second  head  of  the  human  race. 

Who  was  the  first  head  of  the  human  race? 

Adam  was  the  first  head  of  the  human  race. 

What  did  God  command  Noe  to  do? 

God  commanded  Noe  to  build  a  large  boat. 

What  was  the  boat  called? 

The  boat  was  called  the  Ark. 

What  was  the  size  of  the  Ark? 

The  Ark  was  three  hundred  cubits  long,  fifty 
broad,  and  thirty  high. 

How  much  was  a  cubit? 

A  cubit  was  about  two  feet. 

How  was  the  Ark  built  ? 

It  was  divided  into  three  stories;  it  had  a  large 
window  in  the  roof  and  a  door  on  the  side,  and  the 
outside  and  inside  were  covered  with  pitch. 


♦ 


40  The  Primitive  Ages . 

How  long  was  Noe  building  the  Ark? 

Noe  was  one  hundred  years  building  the  Ark. 

Did  Noe  do  anything  else  during  this  time? 

Yes,  he  preached  penance  to  the  people. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  manifest? 

It  manifests  His  mercy  and  forbearance. 

Did  the  preaching  of  Noe  have  any  effect  on  the 
people? 

No,  they  resisted  the  grace  of  God. 

What  must  we  do  in  order  that  God’s  grace  may  be 
efficacious? 

In  order  that  God's  grace  may  be  efficacious  we 
must  co-operate  with  it. 

What  sin  did  they  commit  by  resisting  the  grace  of 
God? 

They  committed  a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

What  did  God  do  when  the  time  of  His  mercy  had 
elapsed? 

He  commanded  Noe  and  his  family  to  enter  the 
Ark;  then  He  sent  the  punishment  He  had  threatened. 

Did  God  command  Noe  to  take  anything  with  him 
into  the  Ark? 

Yes,  God  commanded  Noe  to  take  with  him  into 
the  Ark  two  of  every  kind  of  living  creatures. 

How  was  the  Deluge  caused? 

“  The  fountains  of  the  great  deep  were  broken  up, 
and  the  flood-gates  of  heaven  were  opened/’ 

What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words? 

They  mean  that  the  waters  of  the  seas  and  lakes 
overflowed  their  shores,  and  the  rain  fell  from  the 
clouds  unceasingly. 


Noe's  Saci'iftce. — Ilis  Children . 


41 


To  how  many  causes  was  the  Deluge  due? 

It  was  due  to  two  causes. 

How  long  did  the  rain  fall? 

It  fell  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

What  was  the  consequence  of  the  flood? 

The  waters  rose  above  the  highest  mountains,  and 
every  living  being  outside  of  the  Ark  perished. 

Of  what  is  the  Ark  a  figure? 

The  Ark  is  a  figure  of  the  Catholic  Church.  God 
Himself  commanded  Noe  to  build  the  Ark,  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  founded  the  Church;  there 
was  only  one  Ark,  so  there  is  only  one  Church;  outside 
of  the  Ark  none  could  be  saved,  outside  of  the  Church 
there  is  no  salvation;  the  Ark  did  not  perish,  neither 
will  the  Church. 

Is  the  Ark  also  a  figure  of  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

Yes,  the  Ark  was  the  instrument  God  used  to  save 
Yoe;  Mary  was  the  instrument  God  used  to  give  a 
Saviour  to  the  world. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  that,  although  God  is  in¬ 
finitely  merciful,  He  will  finally  punish  all  who  resist 
His  grace. 

VIII.  NOE’S  SACRIFICE.— HIS  CHILDREN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Noe  left  the  Ark  and  offered  sacri¬ 
fice,  and  how  his  sons  behaved  towards  him. 

How  long  did  the  Deluge  last? 

It  lasted  one  hundred  and  fifty  days. 

How  did  God  put  an  end  to  the  Deluge? 

He  sent  a  warm  wind  that  evaporated  the  waters. 


42 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


Where  did  the  Ark  rest? 

It  rested  on  a  mountain  in  Armenia,  probably 
Mount  Ararat. 

Where  is  Armenia? 

It  is  in  Asia,  south  of  the  Caucasus  Mountains. 

How  did  Noe  try  to  find  out  whether  the  waters 
had  subsided? 

He  sent  out  a  raven  which  did  not  return. 

What  could  Noe  conclude  from  this? 

He  could  conclude  that  at  least  the  tops  of  the 
mountains  were  free  from  water,  as  the  raven  had 
found  food. 

How  did  Noe  try  to  find  out  whether  the  fields  were 
still  covered  with  water? 

He  sent  out  a  dove. 

Did  the  dove  return? 

Yes,  the  dove  returned. 

What  did  this  show? 

It  showed  that  the  fields  were  still  covered  with 
water,  as  the  dove  had  no  place  to  rest. 

How  did  Noe  finally  find  out  that  the  waters  had 
entirely  disappeared  ? 

After  seven  days  he  sent  out  the  dove  again,  and  it 
returned  in  the  evening  carrying  in  its  mouth  a  branch 
of  an  olive  tree,  with  green  leaves. 

What  did  he  conclude  from  this? 

He  concluded  from  this  that  the  waters  had  sub¬ 
sided  enough  to  let  the  olive  trees  appear. 

Did  he  leave  the  Ark  at  once  ? 

No,  he  waited  seven  days;  then  he  sent  out  the  dove 
again,  but  it  did  not  return. 


Noe' s  Sacrifice. — His  Children.  .  43 

What  did  this  show? 

It  showed  that  the  fields  were  free  from  water,  for 
the  dove  had  found  rest. 

What  did  Noe  do  immediately  after  leaving  the 
Ark? 

Immediately  after  leaving  the  Ark  he  erected  an 
altar  and  offered  sacrifice  in  thanksgiving  to  the  Lord. 

Why  was  Noe’s  sacrifice  pleasing  to  God? 

Noe’s  sacrifice  was  pleasing  to  God  because  it 
showed  that  he  was  grateful  to  God  for  having  pre¬ 
served  him  and  his  family. 

How  many  ways  may  we  worship  God? 

We  may  worship  God  interiorly  or  exteriorly. 

How  do  we  worship  God  interiorly? 

We  worship  God  interiorly  by  acts  of  faith,  hope, 
and  charity,  and  other  kinds  of  mental  prayer. 

How  do  we  worship  God  exteriorly  ? 

We  worship  God  exteriorly  by  vocal  prayer  and 
sacrifice. 

How  do  we  know  that  God  was  pleased  with  Noe’s 
sacrifice  ? 

We  know  that  God  was  pleased  with  Noe’s  sacrifice 
because  He  blessed  Noe  and  his  sons  and  made  a  cove¬ 
nant  with  them. 

What  was  this  covenant? 

This  covenant  was  a  promise  God  gave  never  to 
destroy  the  world  again  by  water. 

What  was  the  sign  of  the  covenant? 

The  rainbow  was  the  sign  of  the  covenant. 

Of  whom  is  Noe  a  type? 

Noe  is  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ.  Noe  built  the  Ark 
to  save  men  from  the  Deluge,  Christ  founded  His 


44 


The  Primitive  Ages. 


Church  to  save  men  from  eternal  perdition;  Noe 
offered  sacrifice  to  the  Lord,  Christ  offered  Himself  in 
sacrifice;  Noe  was  the  second  father  of  the  human  race, 
Christ  is  the  spiritual  Father  of  all  men. 

What  were  the  names  of  Noe’s  sons? 

Noe’s  sons  were  called  Sem,  Cham,  and  Japheth. 

What  happened  to  Noe  on  one  occasion? 

Not  knowing  the  strength  of  the  wine,  he  drank  too 
much  and  became  intoxicated. 

Was  this  a  sin? 

No,  because  he  did  not  know  that  wine  was  so  in¬ 
toxicating. 

What  did  Cham  do  when  he  saw  his  father  in  this 
condition  ? 

When  he  saw  his  father  intoxicated  and  uncovered, 
he  called  his  brothers  and  ridiculed  his  father. 

Against  which  Commandments  did  Cham  sin? 

Cham  sinned  against  the  fourth  and  sixth  Com¬ 
mandments. 

How  did  he  sin  against  the  sixth  Commandment? 

lie  sinned  against  the  sixth  Commandment  by  not 
turning  away  when  he  saw  his  father  uncovered. 

How  did  he  sin  against  the  fourth  Commandment  ? 

He  sinned  against  the  fourth  Commandment  by 
not  showing  due  respect  to  his  parent. 

What  did  Sem  and  Japheth  do  when  they  saw  their 
father’s  condition? 

They  turned  their  eyes  away  from  him  and  covered 
him  with  a  cloak. 

"Which  virtues  did  they  practise  by  doing  this  ? 

They  practised  the  virtues  of  modesty,  filial  love, 
and  respect. 


The  Tower  of  Babel. —  Universal  Idolatry.  45 

How  did  Noe  reward  them? 

He  blessed  them. 

How  did  he  punish  Cham  ? 

He  cursed  him. 

How  will  God  punish  children  who  do  not  honor 
their  parents  ? 

God  will  punish  them  by  shame  and  disgrace  in  this 
life,  and  everlasting  damnation  in  the  next. 

How  will  He  reward  children  who  honor  their 
parents  ? 

God  will  bless  them  with  a  long  life  and  happiness 
here,  and  will  give  them  eternal  happiness  hereafter. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  thank  God  morn¬ 
ing  and  night  for  all  His  benefits;  (2),  To  be  modest  in 
dressing  and  undressing;  (3),  To  love  and  honor  our 
parents. 

IX.  THE  TOWER  OF  BABEL.— UNIVERSAL 

IDOLATRY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  the  descendants  of  Noe  tried  to 
build  a  very  high  tower,  were  dispersed,  and  fell  into 
idolatry. 

Why  did  they  try  to  build  the  tower? 

They  tried  to  build  the  tower  to  make  themselves 
famous. 

What  sin  did  they  commit  ? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  pride. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  pride  belong? 

Pride  is  one  of  the  seven  capital  sins. 


46 


The  Primitive  Ages . 


Why  are  they  called  “  capital  ”  sins  ? 

They  are  called  “  capital”  sins  from  the  Latin  word 
caput,  head  or  source,  because  all  sins  flow  from  them. 

Where  did  the  descendants  of  Noe  wish  to  build  the 
tower? 

They  wished  to  build  it  in  Babel,  or  Babylon,  a  city 
on  the  banks  of  the  Euphrates. 

Did  God  frustrate  their  plans? 

Yes,  God  frustrated  their  plans  by  causing  them  to 
misunderstand  each  other. 

What  was  the  result  of  the  confusion  of  languages? 

They  could  not  understand  each  other,  so  they  were 
obliged  to  cease  building  the  tower. 

What  was  another  consequence  of  the  confusion  of 
languages? 

The  descendants  of  Noe  were  scattered  over  the 
world  as  a  consequence  of  the  confusion  of  languages. 

Whither  did  they  go  ? 

Seni's  descendants  remained  in  Asia,  Cham’s  went 
to  Africa,  and  Japheth’s  went  to  Europe. 

How  was  the  blessing  of  Noe  fulfilled  in  Sem? 

Sem  was  the  father  of  the  people  of  Israel,  whence 
sprung  the  Messias. 

How  was  the  blessing  fulfilled  in  Japheth? 

The  descendants  of  Japheth  conquered  the  land  of 
Clianaan,  and  when  the  Jews  rejected  the  Redeemer 
they  became  the  chosen  people. 

How  was  Noe’s  curse  fulfilled  in  Cham? 

The  descendants  of  Cham  were  the  negroes  of 
Africa,  who  lived  in  barbarism  and  slavery. 


The  Tower  of  Babel. —  Universal  Idolatry.  47 

Did  all  the  descendants  of  Noe  worship  the  one  true 
God  after  the  separation  ? 

Only  a  small  part  remained  faithful  to  the  service 
of  the  one  true  God;  the  most  of  them  fell  into 
idolatry. 

Who  are  idolaters? 

Idolaters  are  those  who  worship  false  gods. 

What  do  we  call  those  who  practise  idolatry? 

We  call  those  who  practise  idolatry  heathens. 

"What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  thank  God  that 
we  are  members  of  the  true  Church;  (2),  To  pray  for 
the  conversion  of  the  heathen;  (3),  To  join,  if  possible, 
the  Confraternity  of  the  Holy  Childhood. 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PEOPLE 

OF  ISRAEL. 


X.  THE  CALL  AND  OBEDIENCE  OF  THE 
PATRIARCH  ABRAHAM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  made  Abraham  the  father  of  the 
Israelites,  and  assigned  to  him  and  to  his  descendants 
the  land  of  Chanaan. 

What  have  we  already  heard  about  the  descendants 
of  Noe? 

We  have  heard  that  many  were  wicked  and  godless, 
hut  some  of  them  good  and  faithful  in  the  worship  of 
the  one  true  God. 

To  which  class  did  Abraham  belong? 

He  belonged  to  those  who  were  good  and  faithful. 

For  what  was  Abraham  distinguished  ? 

He  was  distinguished  for  his  great  faith. 

How  do  we  know  that  Abraham  was  distinguished 
for  his  faith? 

We  know  that  Abraham  was  distinguished  for  his 
faith  because  he  worshiped  the  one  true  God, 

48 


Call  and  Obedience  of  the  Patriarch  Abraham.  49 


Where  did  Abraham  live  ? 

He  lived  in  Haran. 

In  what  country  was  Haran  ? 

Ilaran  was  in  Chaldea. 

What  did  God  command  Abraham? 

He  commanded  Abraham  to  leave  Haran. 

Why  did  God  give  him  this  command? 

God  gave  Abraham  this  command  because  his  people 
had  fallen  into  idolatry. 

What  mission  had  God  chosen  for  Abraham? 

He  had  chosen  him  to  keep  alive  the  faith  in  one 
God  and  a  coming  Redeemer. 

Was  it  hard  for  Abraham  to  obey  the  command  of 
God? 

Yes,  it  was  very  hard;  because  he  had  to  leave  his 
native  country  and  his  relatives  and  go  into  a  strange 
land. 

How  did  God  help  Abraham  to  obey  His  command? 

God  helped  Abraham  to  obey  His  command  by 
giving  him  a  twofold  promise:  (1),  That  He  would 
make  him  the  father  of  a  great  people;  (2),  That 
through  him  (one  of  his  descendants)  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth  would  be  blessed. 

How  did  God  express  this  promise  to  Abraham? 

God  said  to  him:  “I  will  make  of  thee  a  great 
nation,  and  I  will  bless  thee  and  magnify  thy  name  .  .  . 
and  in  thee  shall  all  the  kindreds  of  the  earth  he 
blessed.” 

To  what  did  the  latter  part  of  the  promise  refer? 

It  referred  to  the  blessings  which  the  coming  Re¬ 
deemer  would  bring  down  upon  the  whole  world. 


50 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Where  did  God  first  promise  a  Redeemer? 

God  first  promised  a  Redeemer  in  the  garden  of 
paradise. 

What  did  God  say? 

He  said  to  the  serpent,  “  I  will  place  enmities  be¬ 
tween  thee  and  the  woman,  between  her  seed  and  thy 
seed,  and  she  shall  crush  thy  head.” 

What  is  the  difference  between  this  promise  and  the 
one  made  to  Abraham? 

The  promise  made  to  Abraham  is  more  definite. 

Did  Abraham  obey  God’s  command? 

Yes,  he  obeyed  God’s  command. 

What  was  the  characteristic  virtue  of  Abraham? 

Faith  was  the  characteristic  virtue  of  Abraham. 

What  is  faith? 

Faith  is  a  divine  virtue  by  which  we  believe  all  that 
God  has  revealed,  because  lie  can  neither  deceive  nor 
be  deceived. 

Why  must  we  believe  all  that  God  has  revealed  ? 

We  must  believe  all  that  God  has  revealed,  because 
God  can  not  deceive  us,  nor  be  deceived. 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  Abraham’s  faith? 

Abraham’s  faith  was:  (1),  Universal;  (2),  Firm;  (3), 
Lively;  (4),  Constant. 

Why  was  Abraham’s  faith  universal? 

Abraham’s  faith  was  universal  because  lie  believed 
all  that  God  had  revealed. 

Why  was  it  firm? 

It  was  firm  because  he  believed  without  the  least 
doubt. 

Why  was  it  lively? 

It  was  lively  because  be  lived  up  to  his  faith. 


Abraham'’ s  Love  of  Peace. — Melchisedecli.  51 

Why  was  it  constant  ? 

It  was  constant  because  he  was  ready  to  make  any 
sacrifice  for  it. 

How  did  Abraham  obey  the  command  of  God? 

He  set  out  at  once  with  his  wife  Sarai,  his  nephew 
Lot,  his  servants  and  cattle. 

Whither  did  God  lead  Abraham? 

God  led  Abraham  into  the  land  of  Chanaan. 

What  did  Abraham  do  upon  entering  the  land  of 
Chanaan? 

Upon  entering  the. land  of  Chanaan  he  erected  an 
altar. 

What  did  Abraham  show  by  this  ? 

He  showed  his  piety  and  gratitude. 

What  should  we  learn  from  the  example  of  Abra¬ 
ham? 

We  should  learn  from  him  to  obey  our  parents  and 
superiors  promptly  and,  willingly. 


XI.  ABRAHAM’S  LOVE  OF  PEACE.— 
MELCHISEDECH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  peaceable  and  unselfish  Abraham 
was,  and  how  Melchisedech  offered  sacrifice. 

Whom  do  we  call  peaceable  ? 

We  call  peaceable  one  who  loves  peace,  and  tries  to 
keep  it. 

How  did  Abraham  show  his  love  of  peace  ? 

He  showed  his  love  of  peace  by  settling  the  dispute 
which  had  arisen  between  his  herdsmen  and  Lot’s. 


52  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

What  was  the  cause  of  the  dispute  ? 

The  pasture  was  not  sufficient  for  the  herds  of  both. 

How  did  it  happen  that  the  pasture  was  not  suffi¬ 
cient  for  both? 

The  pasture  was  not  sufficient  for  both  because  they 
had  grown  very  rich,  and  possessed  much  cattle. 

How  did  Abraham  settle  the  dispute? 

lie  settled  the  dispute  by  deciding  that  they  had  to 
separate,  and  by  giving  Lot  permission  to  go  where  he 
pleased  and  promising  not  to  interfere  with  him. 

What  did  Abraham  say  to  Lot? 

He  said  to  him:  “Let  there  be  no  quarrel,  I  be¬ 
seech  thee,  between  me  and  thee,  and  between  my 
herdsmen  and  thy  herdsmen;  for  we  are  brethren.  Be¬ 
hold,  the  whole  land  is  before  thee;  depart  from  me,  I 
pray  thee;  if  thou  wilt  go  to  the  left  hand,  I  will  take 
the  right;  if  thou  choose  the  right  hand,  I  will  pass  to 
the  left.” 

Which  other  virtue  of  Abraham  did  this  show? 

It  showed  his  unselfishness. 

How  did  Abraham  show  that  he  was  unselfish? 

lie  showed  that  he  was  unselfish  by  giving  the 
choice  of  the  best  land  to  Lot. 

Did  Abraham  have  a  better  right  to  the  best  land? 

Yes,  Abraham  had  a  better  right  to  the  best  land 
because  God  had  called  him  and  not  Lot  to  the  land  of 
Chanaan. 

Was  Lot  as  unselfish  as  Abraham? 

Yo,  Lot  was  not  as  unselfish  as  Abraham,  for  he 
chose  the  most  fertile  land,  along  the  southern  bank  of 
the  Jordan. 


Abraham's  Love  of  Peace . — Melchisedech .  53 

What  was  the  country  called  that  Lot  chose  ? 

It  was  called  Sodom  and  Gomorrha. 

How  did  God  punish  Lot  for  his  selfishness  ? 

God  permitted  Lot  to  be  taken  captive  by  strange 
kings,  and  to  lose  all  his  worldly  goods  in  the  destruc¬ 
tion  of  Sodom  in  punishment  for  his  selfishness. 

How  did  Abraham  return  the  selfishness  of  Lot? 

Abraham  returned  the  selfishness  of  Lot  by  pursu¬ 
ing  the  kings  who  had  taken  Lot  prisoner,  rescuing 
him,  and  restoring  to  him  all  his  possessions. 

What  virtue  did  Abraham  practise  by  doing  this  ? 

He  practised  the  virtue  of  charity,  or  brotherly  love. 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  Abraham’s  charity? 

Abraham’s  charity  was  sincere,  or  practical  and  un¬ 
selfish. 

Why  was  it  sincere  ? 

It  was  sincere  because  he  not  only  sympathized  with 
Lot  but  actually  helped  him. 

Why  was  it  unselfish? 

It  was  unselfish  because  Abraham  did  not  retain 
any  of  the  booty  for  himself. 

Which  are  the  qualities  of  true  brotherly  love  ? 

True  brotherly  love  must  be  sincere,  unselfish,  and 
universal. 

When  is  our  charity  or  brotherly  love  universal  ? 

Our  charity  is  universal  when  it  includes  all  men, 
enemies  as  well  as  friends. 

Who  are  especially  recommended  to  our  charity  in 
Holy  Scripture  ? 

The  poor,  the  widow  and  orphan,  and  all  who  are 
in  temporal  or  spiritual  distress  are  especially  recom¬ 
mended  to  our  charity. 


54  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

How  are  we  to  help  the  poor  and  those  who  are  in 
distress? 

We  are  to  help  them  by  practising  the  spiritual  and 
corporal  works  of  mercy. 

Name  the  corporal  works  of  mercy. 

The  corporal  works  of  mercy  are:  (1),  To  give  food 
to  the  hungry;  (2),  To  give  drink  to  the  thirsty;  (3),  To 
clothe  the  naked;  (4),  To  ransom  the  captive;  (5),  To 
harbor  the  harborless;  (6),  To  visit  the  sick;  (7),  To 
bury  the  dead. 

Which  of  these  did  Abraham  exercise? 

lie  exercised  the  fourth. 

Who  was  Melchisedech? 

Melchisedech  was  a  king  and  a  priest,  who  went  out 
with  the  kings  of  Sodom  to  meet  Abraham. 

What  did  he  do? 

At  the  request  of  Abraham  he  offered  sacrifice. 

What  did  he  offer? 

Melchisedech  offered  bread  and  wine. 

What  did  Abraham  give  him  in  return  ? 

Abraham  gave  him  the  tithes  of  the  booty. 

Of  whom  was  Melchisedech  a  type? 

Melchisedech  was  a  type  of  Christ. 

How  was  Melchisedech  a  type  of  Christ? 

Melchisedech  was  a  king,  so  is  Christ;  Melchisedech 
was  a  priest,  so  is  Christ;  Melchisedech  offered  bread 
and  wine,  Christ  offers  Himself  in  the  Mass  under 
the  appearances  of  bread  and  wine;  Melchisedech 
blessed  Abraham,  Christ  in  the  Mass  blesses  the  whole 
world. 


The  Law  of  Circumcision. 


55 


Of  what  sacrifice  was  Melchisedech’s  a  type  ? 

Melchisedech’s  sacrifice  was  a  type  of  the  sacrifice 
of  the  Mass. 

What  is  the  Mass? 

The  Mass  is  the  unbloody  sacrifice  of  the  cross. 

How  many  sacrifices  are  there  in  the  New  Law? 

In  the  New  Law  there  is  only  one,  the  Sacrifice  of 
the  Mass. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  this  lesson  to  be  kind  and 
charitable  to  all. 

XII.  THE  LAW  OF  CIRCUMCISION.— ABRA¬ 
HAM’S  FAITH  AND  HOSPITALITY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  circumcision  was  instituted,  how 
Abraham  was  rewarded  for  his  faith,  and  how  hospit¬ 
able  he  was  to  strangers. 

When  did  Abraham  show  his  faith? 

He  showed  his  faith  when  God  promised  to  protect 
him  and  give  him  a  numerous  posterity. 

How  did  he  show  his  faith  ? 

He  showed  his  faith  by  believing  God  at  once. 

"When  did  God  promise  to  protect  him? 

God  promised  to  protect  him  when  he  said  to  Abra¬ 
ham:  “Fear  not,  ...  I  am  thy  protector,  and  thy  re¬ 
ward  exceeding  great.” 

Why  did  Abraham  fear? 

He  feared  that  the  conquered  kings  would  return 
to  take  revenge. 


50 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


When  did  God  promise  him  a  numerous  posterity? 

God  promised  a  numerous  posterity  to  Abraham 
when  He  said  to  him:  “  Look  up  to  heaven  and  number 
the  stars,  if  thou  canst ...  So  shall  thy  seed  be.” 

How  did  God  reward  Abraham’s  faith? 

God  rewarded  Abraham's  faith:  (1),  By  renewing 
His  promise  of  a  numerous  posterity;  (2),  By  promis¬ 
ing  him  that  bis  wife  Sara  would  bring  forth  a  son; 
(3),  By  making  a  covenant  with  him  and  his  descend¬ 
ants. 

How  did  God  renew  His  promise  of  a  numerous  pos¬ 
terity  ? 

God  said  to  Abraham:  <e  Neither  shall  thy  name  be 
called  anymore  Abram  [high  father],  but  thou  shaft 
be  called  Abraham  [father  of  the  multitude]:  because 
1  have  made  thee  a  father  of  many  nations.” 

How  did  He  promise  that  Sara  would  bring  forth  a 
son? 

God  said:  “  Sarai,  thy  wife,  thou  shalt  not  call  Sarai 
but  Sara.  .  .  .  [She]  shall  bear  thee  a  son.” 

How  did  God  make  the  covenant  with  Abraham  and 
his  descendants? 

God  said  to  Abraham:  “  This  is  My  covenant,  which 
you  shall  observe  between  Me  and  you,  and  thy  seed 
after  thee.  All  the  male  kind  of  you  shall  be  circum¬ 
cised.” 

What  were  the  conditions  of  the  covenant? 

The  conditions  of  the  covenant  were  that  God  was 
to  protect  Abraham  and  his  descendants  as  long  as  they 
remained  faithful. 

What  was  the  sign  of  the  covenant? 

The  sign  of  the  covenant  was  circumcision. 


57 


The  Law  of  Circumcision . 

How  did  God  make  circumcision  the  sign  of  the 
covenant  ? 

God  said  to  Abraham:  “  And  you  shall  circumcise 
the  flesh  of  your  foreskin,  that  it  may  be  for  a  sign  of 
the  covenant  between  Me  and  you.  An  infant  of  eight 
days  old  shall  be  circumcised  among  you.” 

Of  what  was  circumcision  a  figure  ? 

Circumcision  was  a  figure  of  Baptism. 

How  was  it  a  figure  of  Baptism? 

Circumcision  was  a  figure  of  Baptism  because  it 
made  the  descendants  of  Abraham  members  of  the  Old 
Law,  Baptism  makes  us  members  of  the  Church  of 
Christ;  circumcision  obliged  the  descendants  of  Abra¬ 
ham  to  keep  the  Old  Law,  Baptism  obliges  us  to  keep 
the  law  of  God  and  His  Church;  circumcision  entitled 
the  descendants  of  Abraham  to  all  the  blessings  that 
God  had  promised  to  the  chosen  people,  Baptism  gives 
us  a  right  to  the  graces  which  Christ  obtained  for  us 
by  His  death  on  the  cross. 

How  did  Abraham  show  his  hospitality  ? 

Abraham  showed  his  hospitality  by  being  friendly 
to  strangers,  and  receiving  them  into  his  house. 

Who  were  these  strangers? 

They  were  God  and  two  angels. 

What  did  one  of  the  strangers  say  to  Abraham? 

He  said:  “  I  will  return  and  come  to  thee  at  this 
time,  life  accompanying,  and  Sara  thy  wife  shall  have  a 
son.” 

Why  did  Abraham  conclude  from  these  words  that 
the  stranger  who  spoke  was  God? 

He  concluded  that  the  stranger  was  God,  because 
He  alone  knows  the  future. 


58  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  make  acts  of  faith  fre¬ 
quently,  to  keep  the  laws  of  the  Church  and  to  be 
friendly  and  kind  to  strangers. 


XIII.  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  SODOM  AND 

GOMORRHA. 


What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  t hat  God  destroyed  the  cities  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrha,  but  spared  Lot  and  his  family. 

How  did  God  announce  the  destruction  of  Sodoin 
and  Gomorrha? 

God  said:  “The  cry  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha  is 
multiplied,  and  their  sin  is  become  exceedingly  griev¬ 
ous.” 

To  what  class  do  the  sins  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha 
belong? 

They  belong  to  the  class  of  sins  that  cry  to  heaven 
for  vengeance. 

Against  which  Commandment  were  the  sins  of 
Sodom  and  Gomorrha? 

They  were  against  the  sixth  Commandment. 

What  does  the  sixth  Commandment  forbid? 

The  sixth  Commandment  forbids  all  unchaste  free¬ 
dom  with  another’s  wife  or  husband;  also  all  im¬ 
modesty  with  ourselves  or  others,  in  looks,  dress,  words 
or  actions. 

How  did  the  announcement  of  the  destruction  of 
Sodom  and  Gomorrha  affect  Abraham? 

It  filled  him  with  fear  and  pity. 


The  Destruction  of  Sodom  and  GomorrAa.  59 

How  do  we  know  that  Abraham  pitied  the  inhab¬ 
itants  of  the  doomed  cities  ? 

We  know  it  from  the  words  of  Holy  Scripture: 
“  And  they  [the  angels]  turned  themselves  from 
thence  and  went  their  way  to  Sodom;  but  Abraham  as 
yet  stood  before  the  Lord.” 

What  is  the  meaning  of  this  text  ? 

It  means  that  after  God  had  announced  the  destruc¬ 
tion  of  the  inhabitants  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha,  the 
angels  went  away,  but  Abraham  remained  to  plead  for 
the  doomed  cities. 

How  did  Abraham  begin  his  prayer? 

Abraham  began  his  prayer  by  appealing  to  the 
justice  of  God. 

How  did  he  appeal  to  the  justice  of  God? 

He  said:  “Wilt  Thou  destroy  the  just  with  the 
wicked  ?  ” 

How  did  Abraham  pray  ? 

He  prayed  with:  (1),  Attention;  (2),  Humility;  (3), 
Confidence;  (4),  Perseverance. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  prayed  with  attention? 

Wre  know  that  he  prayed  with  attention  because  he 
remained  standing. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  prayed  with  humility  ? 

We  know  that  he  prayed  with  humility  from  his 
own  words:  “  Whereas  I  am  dust  and  ashes.” 

How  do  we  know  that  he  prayed  with  perseverance  ? 

We  know  that  he  prayed  with  perseverance  because 
he  repeated  his  prayer. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  prayed  with  confidence  ? 

We  know  that  he  prayed  with  confidence  because 
each  time  he  asked  more  of  Almighty  God. 


60 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  Abraham? 

Yes,  lie  agreed  to  spare  the  cities  if  ten  just  could 
be  found. 


What  good  work  did  Abraham  perform? 

He  exercised  one  of  the  spiritual  works  of  mercy, 
namely  “  to  pray  for  the  living  and  dead.” 


How  many  were  saved  in  the  destruction  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrha? 

Lot  and  his  family  were  saved. 

Why  were  they  saved? 

They  were  saved  because  they  had  remained  faithful 
to  God. 


How  did  God  save  Lot  and  his  family? 

God  sent  an  angel,  who  led  them  out  of  the  wicked 
citv. 

Did  Lot  lose  anything? 

Yes,  he  lost  all  his  possessions,  and  his  wife  was 
turned  into  a  pillar  of  salt. 

What  kind  of  a  punishment  was  that? 

It  was  a  temporal  punishment. 

Why  did  Lot  receive  this  temporal  punishment? 

Lot  received  this  temporal  punishment  because  of 
his  selfishness  towards  Abraham. 

Why  was  Lot’s  wife  punished? 

She  was  punished  on  account  of  her  disobedience. 
God  commanded  Lot  and  his  family  not  to  look  back 
on  the  city  as  they  were  lleeing,  and  Lot’s  wife  dis¬ 
obeyed  the  command. 

How  did  God  destroy  Sodom  and  Gomorrha? 

God  destroyed  Sodom  and  Gomorrha  by  fire. 


The  Birth  of  Isaac. — Abraham's  Sacrifice .  61 

Of  what  does  the  destruction  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrha  remind  us? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  eternal  fire  of  hell,  which 
awaits  all  who  die  in  mortal  sin. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  pray  for  the  con¬ 
version  of  sinners;  (2),  To  avoid  sins  of  impurity. 

What  means  should  we  employ  to  guard  against 
sins  of  impurity? 

To  guard  against  sins  of  impurity  we  should:  (1), 
Shun  bad  company  and  all  occasions  of  sin  ;  (2),  Recom¬ 
mend  ourselves  in  temptation  to  God  and  the  Blessed 
Virgin;  (3),  Always  remember  that  God  sees  all  things, 
and  that  we  may  die  at  any  moment;  (1),  We  should 
receive  the  sacraments  frequently. 


XIV.  THE  BIETII  OF  ISAAC.— ABRAHAM’S 

SACRIFICE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Sara,  the  wife  of  Abraham,  bore  him 
a  son,  whom  he  was  ready  to  sacrifice  at  God’s  com¬ 
mand. 

What  was  the  name  of  his  son? 

His  name  wras  Isaac. 

What  did  God  command  Abraham  to  do? 

God  commanded  Abraham  to  sacrifice  his  son. 

What  did  God  say  to  Abraham? 

God  said  to  him:  “  Take  thy  only-begotten  son 
Isaac,  whom  thou  lovest,  and  go  into  the  land  of  vision; 
and  there  thou  shaft  offer  him  for  an  holocaust.” 


62 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  did  God  intend  by  this  command? 

lie  intended  to  try  Abraham. 

Why  did  God  try  Abraham? 

God  tried  Abraham  that  he  might  have  a  chance  to 
prove  his  faith  and  obedience  and  thereby  increase  his 
reward  in  heaven. 

Why  was  this  a  severe  trial  for  Abraham? 

It  was  a  severe  trial  for  Abraham:  (1),  Because 
Isaac  was  his  only  son;  (2),  Because  he  loved  him  very 
much;  (3),  Because  he  was  commanded  to  sacrifice  him 
with  his  own  hand  and  to  burn  the  remains,  that  is  for 
a  holocaust. 

How  did  Abraham  show  his  faith? 

Abraham  showed  his  faith  by  still  believing  that 
God  would  keep  His  promise  to  give  him  a  numerous 
posterity,  even  if  he  would  sacrifice  Isaac. 

How  did  Abraham  show  his  obedience? 

He  showed  his  obedience  by  obeying  God  at  once. 

How  did  he  show  his  love  of  God? 

He  showed  his  love  of  God  by  his  readiness  to  sacri¬ 
fice  his  son  at  God’s  command. 

When  do  we  love  God  above  all  things? 

We  love  God  above  all  things  when  we  love  Him 
more  than  everything  else,  and  are  ready  to  sacrifice 
everything  rather  than  commit  a  mortal  sin. 

How  do  we  show  that  we  love  God  above  all  things? 

We  show  that  we  love  God  above  all  things  by 
keeping  His  Commandments. 

Did  Abraham  really  sacrifice  his  son  Isaac? 

No,  an  angel  prevented  him. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this? 

We  learn  from  this  that  God  is  satisfied  with  our 


The  Birth  of  Isaac. — Abraham' s  Sacrifice.  63 

good  will  when  we  are  prevented  from  doing  a  good 
work. 

How  many  times  have  we  seen  that  God  promised  a 
Redeemer? 

We  have  seen  that  God  promised  a  Redeemer  twice; 
to  our  first  parents  and  to  Abraham. 

Did  God  promise  a  Redeemer  a  third  time? 

Yes,  God  promised  a  Redeemer  a  third  time  when 
He  said  through  the  angel  to  Abraham:  “  And  in  thv 
seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed  be¬ 
cause  thou  hast  obeyed  My  voice.” 

What  else  did  God  say? 

God  said:  “  By  My  own  self  have  I  sworn,  .  . .  be¬ 
cause  thou  hast  done  this  tiling  ...  I  will  bless  thee.” 

What  do  these  words  contain? 

They  contain  an  oath. 

What  is  an  oath? 

An  oath  is  the  calling  on  God  to  witness  the  truth 
of  what  we  say. 

Why  did  God  swear  by  Himself? 

God  swore  by  Himself  because  He  is  God  and  no 
one  is  above  Him. 

Of  whom  is  Isaac  a  type? 

Isaac  is  a  type  of  Christ. 

How  is  Isaac  a  type  of  Christ? 

Isaac  is  a  type  of  Christ  because:  (1),  Isaac  was  the 
only  son  of  Abraham,  Christ  is  the  only-begotten  Son 
of  the  Father;  (2),  Isaac  was  to  be  offered  up  on  Mount 
Moria,  Christ  was  offered  up  on  Mount  Calvary;  (3), 
Isaac  himself  carried  the  wood  on  which  he  was  to  be 
sacrificed,  Christ  carried  the  cross  on  which  He  was 
sacrificed;  (4),  Isaac  was  bound,  lest  by  any  motion  he 


64 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


might  show  his  unwillingness,  Christ  of  His  own  free 
will  was  nailed  to  the  cross. 

How  many  types  of  Christ  have  we  already  con¬ 
sidered  ? 

We  have  already  considered  five  types  of  Christ 
Adam,  Abel,  Xoe,  Melchisedech  and  Isaac. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  obey  promptly,  and  to 
bear  with  patience  the  trials  of  this  life. 


XV.  ISAAC  MARRIES  REBECCA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Abraham  sent  his  servant  Eliezer  to 
find  a  wife  for  Isaac. 

What  did  Abraham  say  to  Eliezer? 

Abraham  said  to  Eliezer:  “  Go  to  my  own  country 
and  kindred,  and  take  a  wife  thence  for  my  son  Isaac: 
.  .  .  take  not  a  wife  for  my  son  of  the  daughters  of  the 
Chanaanites,  among  whom  I  dwell/’ 

What  do  Abraham’s  words  to  Eliezer  show? 

They  show  that  he  was  anxious  for  his  son  to  have 
a  wife  who  belonged  to  the  true  faith. 

What  do  we  understand  by  mixed  marriages? 

By  mixed  marriages  we  understand  the  marriages 
of  Catholics  with  those  who  have  a  diirerent  religion 
or  no  religion  at  all. 

Why  does  the  Church  condemn  mixed  marriages? 

The  Church  condemns  mixed  marriages  because 
they  generally  lead  to  indifference,  loss  of  faith,  and  to 
the  neglect  of  the  religious  education  of  the  children. 


Isaac  Harries  Rebecca. 


65 


Did  Eliezer  carry  out  Abraham’s  commission? 

Yes,  Eliezer  carried  out  Abraham’s  commission. 

Whither  did  he  go? 

He  went  to  Haran,  where  ISTachor,  the  brother  of 
Abraham,  lived. 

Where  is  Haran? 

Ilaran  is  in  Mesopotamia. 

Which  good  qualities  did  Eliezer  manifest  in  carry¬ 
ing  out  his  commission? 

He  manifested  his  piety,  his  trust  in  God,  and  his 
wisdom. 

How  did  he  manifest  his  piety? 

He  manifested  his  piety  by  praying  to  make  a  good 
choice,  and  by  thanking  God  after  he  had  made  it. 

How  did  he  pray  to  make  a  good  choice  ? 

He  said:  “  0  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee,  show  kindness 
to  my  master  Abraham.” 

How  did  he  thank  God? 

He  said:  “  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  my  master 
Abraham,  .  .  .  who  hath  brought  me  the  straight  way 
into  the  house  of  my  master’s  brother.” 

How  did  he  show  his  trust  in  God? 

He  showed  his  trust  in  God  by  the  manner  in  which 
he  prayed  to  God  to  make  known  the  choice  of  Isaac’s 
wife. 

How  did  he  express  his  trust  in  God  ? 

He  prayed:  “  Behold  I  stand  nigh  the  spring  of 
water,  and  the  daughters  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city 
will  come  out  to  draw  water.  How  therefore  the  maid 
to  whom  I  shall  say:  Let  down  thy  pitcher  that  I  may 
drink;  and  she  shall  answer,  Drink,  and  I  will  give  thy 


66 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


camels  drink  also;  let  it  be  the  same  whom  Thou  hast 
provided  for  Thy  servant  Isaac.” 

How  did  Eliezer  manifest  his  wisdom? 

He  manifested  his  wisdom  by  inquiring  about  Re¬ 
becca’s  good  qualities,  and  especially  about  her  faith. 

Which  were  the  good  qualities  of  Rebecca? 

She  was  kind,  thoughtful,  and  self-sacrificing. 

How  did  she  show  that  she  was  kind? 

She  showed  that  she  was  kind  by  being  friendly  to 
Eliezer,  and  granting  his  request  at  once. 

How  did  she  show  that  she  was  thoughtful? 

She  showed  that  she  was  thoughtful  by  offering  to 
give  drink  to  the  camels  without  being  requested. 

How  did  she  show  that  she  was  self-sacrificing? 

She  showed  that  she  was  self-sacrificing  by  drawing 
and  giving  drink  to  all  Eliczer’s  camels. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  kind  and 
friendly  to  all,  especially  strangers;  (2),  To  begin  every 
important  work  with  prayer;  (3),  To  be  prudent,  to 
weigh  the  reasons  for  and  against  before  we  take  any 
important  step. 


XVI.  ESAU  AND  JACOB. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Isaac  had  two  sons,  the  elder  of 
whom  sold  his  birthright  for  a  mess  of  pottage. 

What  were  the  names  of  Isaac’s  two  sons? 

They  were  Esau  and  Jacob. 


Esau  and  Jacob. 


67 


What  kind  of  a  man  was  Esau? 

Esau  was  red  and  hairy,  of  a  rough,  excitable  dis¬ 
position. 

What  occupation  did  Esau  follow? 

He  was  a  hunter  and  a  farmer. 

Whose  favorite  was  he? 

He  was  the  favorite  of  Isaac. 

What  kind  of  a  man  was  Jacob? 

Jacob  was  not  rough,  like  Esau,  but  smooth  and  of  a 
quiet  disposition. 

What  occupation  did  he  follow? 

He  was  a  shepherd. 

Whose  favorite  was  Jacob? 

Jacob  was  the  favorite  of  his  mother,  Rebecca. 

Why  was  he  the  favorite  of  Rebecca  ? 

Jacob  was  Rebecca's  favorite  because  he  was  so 
quiet  and  mild-tempered,  and  because  she  had  seen  in 
a  vision  that  he,  instead  of  his  brother  Esau,  would 
rule. 

Who  was  the  first-born  of  the  brothers? 

Esau  was  the  first-born. 

What  were  the  rights  of  the  first-born  ? 

The  rights  of  the  first-born  were  the  following:  (1), 
He  acquired  the  right  to  a  double  portion  of  the  pa¬ 
ternal  inheritance;  (2),  At  the  death  of  the  father  he 
became  the  head  of  the  family;  (3),  The  priesthood 
passed  to  him. 

What  did  Esau  do? 

He  sold  Jacob  his  birthright,  as  the  first-born,  for  a 
mess  of  pottage. 


68 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


Did  Esau  act  foolishly? 

Yes,  because  he  exchanged  his  permanent  rights  for 
a  little  passing  gratification. 

Of  whom  does  Esau’s  action  remind  us? 

Esau’s  action  reminds  us  of  the  sinner  who  fool¬ 
ishly  sells  his  birthright  to  heaven  for  a  passing  sinful 
pleasure. 

What  do  we  lose  by  mortal  sin? 

By  mortal  sin  we  lose:  (1),  The  friendship  of  God; 
(2),  All  the  merit  of  our  good  deeds  and  our  right  to 
heaven. 

What  is  the  last  consequence  of  mortal  sin? 

Mortal  sin  condemns  us  to  the  eternal  pains  of  hell. 

How  did  Jacob  obtain  from  his  father  the  blessing 
of  the  first-born? 

He  deceived  his  father,  who  was  blind,  by  pretend¬ 
ing  to  be  his  brother  Esau. 

How  did  Jacob  deceive  his  father? 

His  father  asked  him,  u  Who  art  thou,  my  son?” 
and  .Jacob  said:  “  1  am  Esau,  thy  first-born.” 

Was  Jacob  the  first-born? 

No,  he  was  not,  and  consequently  he  told  a  lie  to 
his  father  when  he  said  he  was. 

When  do  we  lie? 

We  lie  when  we  tell  something  which  we  know  is 
untrue. 

Are  we  ever  allowed  to  lie? 

We  are  never  allowed  to  lie. 

Who  tempted  Jacob  to  tell  the  lie? 

His  mother,  Rebecca,  tempted  him. 

Was  Rebecca  also  guilty  of  Jacob’s  sin? 

Yes,  Rebecca  was  also  guilty. 


Esau  and  Jacob. 


69 


How  was  Rebecca  guilty  of  Jacob’s  sin? 

She  was  guilty  of  Jacob’s  sin  by  being  accessory  to 
it  by  command. 

How  many  ways  are  there  of  being  accessory  to 
another’s  sin? 

There  are  nine  ways  of  being  accessory  to  another’s 
sin:  (1),  By  command;  ( 2 ),  By  counsel;  (3),  By  consent; 
(4),  By  praise;  (5),  By  provocation;  (6),  By  silence;  (7), 
By  concealment;  (8),  By  aiding;  (9),  By  defending  the 
sins  of  another. 

How  did  Rebecca  help  Jacob  to  deceive  his  father? 

Rebecca  prepared  a  disli  for  Isaac  which  he  liked, 
clothed  Jacob  in  Esau’s  garments,  covered  his  neck  and 
hands  with  the  hair  of  the  kids  she  had  killed,  and  then 
sent  him  with  the  dish  to  his  father,  that  he  might 
think  it  was  his  first-born  Esau,  and  give  him  his  bless¬ 
ing. 

Should  Jacob  have  obeyed  his  mother? 

Jacob  should  not  have  obeyed  his  mother. 

Why  should  he  not  have  obeyed  his  mother? 

He  should  not  have  obeyed  her  because  we  are  not 
allowed  to  obey  even  our  parents  in  anything  that  is 
sinful. 

Did  Jacob  receive  his  father’s  blessing? 

Yes,  he  received  his  father’s  blessing. 

How  was  the  blessing  worded? 

Isaac  said:  “  God  give  thee  of  the  dew  of  heaven, 
and  of  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  abundance  of  corn  and 
wine.  ...  Be  thou  lord  of  thy  brethren,  and  let  thy 
mother’s  children  bow  down  before  thee.” 

How  did  Esau  behave  after  he  found  out  that  Jacob 
had  received  his  father’s  blessing? 

After  Esau  found  out  that  Jacob  had  received  his 


70  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

father’s  blessing  he  grew  very  angry,  and  begged  his 
father  to  give  him,  also,  his  blessing. 

Did  Isaac  do  so? 

Yes,  he  said  to  Esau:  “  In  the  fat  of  the  earth  and 
in  the  dew  of  heaven  from  above,  shall  thy  blessing  be. 
Thou  shalt  live  by  the  sword  and  slialt  serve  thy 
brother;  and  the  time  shall  come  when  thou  shalt  shake 
off,  and  loose  his  yoke  from  thy  neck.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  kind  and  gen¬ 
erous  to  our  brothers  and  sisters;  (2),  To  detest  lying 
and  deception,  for  “  a  lie  is  a  foul  blot  in  a  man.” 
(Ecclus.  xx.  26.) 


XVII.  JACOB’S  FLIGHT  AND  IIIS  SOJOURN 

WITH  LABAN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jacob  fled  from  his  home  to  Laban, 
and  that  God  revealed  Himself  to  him  on  the  way. 

Why  did  Jacob  flee  from  his  home? 

He  fled  because  he  had  incurred  the  hatred  of  Esau, 
whom  he  feared. 

Why  did  Esau  hate  Jacob? 

Esau  hated  Jacob  because  the  latter  had  by  fraud 
obtained  his  father’s  blessing,  which  was  intended  for 
himself. 

Was  it  wrong  for  Esau  to  hate  his  brother? 

Yes,  it  was  wrong  for  Esau  to  hate  his  brother. 

Was  Esau  allowed  to  approve  Jacob’s  action? 

No,  he  was  not  allowed  to  approve  Jacob’s  action, 


Jacob's  Flight  and  Ilis  Sojourn  with  Laban.  7 1 

still  he  should  not  have  hated  him  or  tried  to  injure 
him,  hut  have  left  his  punishment  to  God. 

Who  induced  Jacob  to  flee? 

His  mother,  Rebecca,  induced  him  to  flee. 

Why  did  she  induce  Jacob  to  flee? 

She  induced  him  to  flee  because  she  knew  that  Esau 
hated  Jacob,  and  she  feared  he  might  kill  him  after 
Isaac’s  death. 

What  did  Rebecca  say  to  Jacob? 

She  said:  “  My  son,  .  .  .  flee  to  Laban,  my  brother, 
to  Haran,  and  thou  shalt  dwell  with  him  .  .  .  till  the 
wrath  of  thy  brother  be  assuaged.” 

Whose  son  was  Laban? 

Laban  was  the  son  of  Bathuel,  the  son  of  Nachor. 

And  who  was  Nachor? 

Nachor  was  the  brother  of  Abraham. 

How  was  Jacob  related  to  Laban? 

Jacob  was  Laban’s  cousin  and  nephew. 

Did  Jacob  find  it  hard  to  flee  to  Laban? 

Yes,  because  he  had  to  leave  his  home,  alone,  and  go 
into  a  strange  country. 

Was  this  a  punishment  for  Jacob? 

Yes,  it  was  a  punishment  for  Jacob. 

Why  did  God  punish  Jacob? 

God  punished  him  for  his  lying  and  deception. 

Did  God  also  punish  Rebecca? 

Yes,  God  punished  her  by  separating  her  from  her 
favorite. 

Did  God  console  Jacob  in  his  loneliness? 

Yes,  God  consoled  him  by  a  vision,  and  gave  him  a 
promise. 


72 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

What  did  Jacob  see  in  the  vision? 

He  saw  a  ladder  reaching  from  the  earth  to  heaven, 
and  angels  ascending  and  descending  on  it. 

How  did  the  vision  console  Jacob? 

It  reminded  him  that  God  would  not  desert  him, 
but  would  protect  him  by  His  angels. 

What  are  those  angels  called  whom  God  has  sent 
to  protect  us? 

They  are  called  guardian  angels. 

Of  what  was  Jacob’s  ladder  a  symbol? 

Jacob’s  ladder  was  a  symbol  of  the  cross  which 
joined  earth  with  heaven. 

What  did  God  say  to  Jacob  in  the  vision? 

God  said  to  Jacob:  “  I  am  the  Lord  God  of  Abra¬ 
ham,  thy  father,  and  the  God  of  Isaac:  The  land, 
wherein  thou  sleepest,  I  will  give  to  thee  and  to  thy 
seed.  And  thy  seed  shall  be  as  the  dust  of  the  earth 

.  .  .  and  in  thee  and  thy  seed  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth 

* 

shall  be  blessed/’ 

What  did  these  words  contain? 

They  contained  a  promise:  (1),  That  God  would 
give  the  land  of  Chanaan  to  Jacob  and  his  descendants; 
(2),  That  his  descendants  would  be  very  numerous;  (3), 
That  one  of  his  descendants  would  be  the  Messias. 

What  did  Jacob  call  the  place  where  he  had  had  the 
vision? 

He  called  it  the  “  house  of  God,”  and  the  “  gate  of 
heaven.” 

What  does  Beth-el  mean? 

Bethel  means  house  of  God. 

What  does  Beth-le-hem  mean? 

Bethlehem  means  house  of  bread. 


Jacob's  Flight  and  Ilis  Sojourn  with  Laban.  73 

Why  did  Jacob  call  it  the  “  house  of  God  ”  ? 

J acob  called  it  the  house  of  God  because  God  dwelt 
there  in  a  special  manner. 

What  building  do  we  call  the  “  house  of  God  ”  ? 

We  call  the  Church  the  house  of  God,  because  the 
Son  of  God  dwells  there  in  a  special  manner  in  the 
Holy  Eucharist. 

Why  did  he  call  the  place  of  the  vision  the  “  gate 
of  heaven  ”  ? 

He  called  it  the  gate  of  heaven  because  the  angels 
ascended  into  heaven  from  it. 

Why  do  we  call  the  Catholic  Church  the  “  gate  of 
heaven  ”  ? 

We  call  the  Catholic  Church  the  gate  of  heaven  be¬ 
cause  through  her  we  receive  the  truths  and  graces 
which  lead  us  to  heaven. 

How  did  Jacob  show  his  gratitude  to  God? 

Jacob  showed  his  gratitude  to  God  by  taking  the 
stone  on  which  his  head  had  rested,  erecting  it  as  a 
monument,  and  dedicating  it  to  God. 

Whom  did  Jacob  meet  as  he  continued  his  journey? 

He  met  Rachel,  the  daughter  of  Laban. 

How  did  Jacob  act  towards  Rachel? 

He  was  very  kind  and  thoughtful  to  her. 

How  did  he  show  his  kindness? 

He  showed  his  kindness  by  saluting  her. 

How  did  he  show  his  thoughtfulness? 

He  showed  his  thoughtfulness  by  rolling  the  stone 
from  the  mouth  of  the  well,  without  being  asked,  so 
that  RacheFs  flock  might  drink. 

How  did  Laban  receive  Jacob? 

He  received  him  very  kindly. 


74 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


How  long  did  Jacob  remain  with  Laban? 

Jacob  remained  with  Laban  twenty  years. 

What  did  Jacob  do  during  this  time? 

He  tended  the  flocks  of  Laban  with  great  care  and 
fidelity. 

How  did  God  reward  him? 

God  rewarded  Jacob  by  making  him  rich. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  work  faithfully  and  pray 
fervently. 

XVIII.  JACOB’S  RETURN  HOME  AND  HIS 
RECONCILIATION  WITH  ESAU. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jacob  returned  from  Ilaran  to 
Chanaan,  and  was  reconciled  with  his  brother  Esau. 

What  induced  Jacob  to  return? 

Two  things  induced  him  to  return:  (1),  The  jeal¬ 
ousy  of  Laban;  (2),  d’he  command  of  God. 

Why  did  Laban  envy  Jacob? 

Laban  envied  Jacob  because  the  latter  had  grown 
very  rich. 

How  did  he  show  his  envy? 

He  showed  bis  envy  by  becoming  very  unfriendly 
to  Jacob. 

What  did  God  say  to  Jacob? 

God  said  to  Jacob:  “Return  into  the  land  of  tby 
fathers.  I  will  be  with  thee.” 

What  was  the  name  of  the  land  of  his  fathers? 

“  The  land  of  his  fathers  ”  was  the  land  of 
Chanaan,  where  Abraham  had  lived,  and  where  Isaac, 
his  father,  was  still  living. 


Jacob's  Return  and Ilis  Reconciliation  with  Esau .  7 5 

How  did  God  encourage  him  to  return? 

God  encouraged  him  to  return  by  promising  to  pro¬ 
tect  him. 

Did  Jacob  obey  the  command  of  God? 

Yes,  he  obeyed  the  command  of  God. 

What  did  this  show? 

It  showed  that  he  trusted  in  God. 

What  did  he  do  on  arriving  at  the  borders  of 
Chanaan  ? 

On  arriving  at  the  borders  of  Chanaan  he  sent  mes¬ 
sengers  to  Esau  to  ask  his  forgiveness. 

What  did  the  messengers  report  ? 

They  reported  that  Esau  was  coming  with  four  hun¬ 
dred  men  to  meet  him. 

What  did  Jacob  conclude  from  this? 

lie  concluded  that  Esau  was  coming  to  meet  him  in 
battle. 

So  what  did  Jacob  do? 

He  sought  God’s  help  in  prayer. 

How  did  he  pray? 

He  prayed  as  follows:  “  0  God  of  my  father  Abra¬ 
ham.  ...  0  Lord  who  saidst  to  me,  Return  to  thy  land. 

. . .  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  all  Thy  mercies,  and 
of  Thy  truth  which  Thou  hast  fulfilled  to  Thy  servant. 
With  my  staff  I  passed  over  this  Jordan,  and  now  I  re¬ 
turn  with  two  companies.  Deliver  me  from  the  hand  of 
my  brother/’ 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  Jacob’s  prayer? 

Jacob’s  prayer  was  humble,  grateful,  and  confident. 


76 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


How  do  we  know  it  was  humble? 

We  know  it  was  humble,  because  Jacob  acknowl¬ 
edged  himself  unworthy  of  God's  mercy. 

How  do  we  know  it  was  grateful? 

We  know  it  was  grateful  because  Jacob  referred  to 
the  favors  he  had  already  received  from  God. 

How  do  we  know  it  was  confident? 

We  know  it  was  confident  because  Jacob  believed 
that  God  would  hear  his  prayer. 

Which  are  the  chief  fruits  of  prayer? 

The  chief  fruits  of  prayer  are:  (1),  It  raises  our 
soul  to  heaven,  and  unites  us  with  God;  (2),  It  strength¬ 
ens  us  against  evil  and  encourages  us  to  do  good;  (3), 
It  comforts  us  in  trouble,  affords  help  in  need,  and  ob¬ 
tains  for  us  the  grace  of  perseverance. 

Was  Jacob’s  prayer  heard? 

Yes;  God  comforted  him. 

How  did  God  comfort  him? 

God  sent  an  angel  to  Jacob,  with  whom  he  wrestled 
till  morning,  when  he  overcame  him. 

How  would  this  comfort  Jacob? 

God  wished  to  show  Jacob  that  he  would  be  vic¬ 
torious  over  Esau,  just  as  he  had  overcome  the  angel. 

Of  what  was  Jacob’s  wrestling  a  figure? 

Jacob’s  wrestling  was  a  figure  of  Christ’s  struggle 
to  save  the  soul  of  man.  Jacob  wrestled  with  an  angel, 
Christ  wrestled  with  Satan;  the  angel  was  overcome,  so 
was  Satan;  Jacob’s  victory  over  the  angel  gave  him  the 
assurance  of  returning  home  safely,  Christ’s  victory 
over  Satan  is  a  pledge  that  we  will  reach  our  home  in 
heaven. 


Joseph  is  Sold  by  His  Brothers .  77 

What  did  the  angel  call  Jacob? 

The  angel  called  him  “  Israel/5  that  is,  one  who 
has  wrestled  with  God. 

How  did  Jacob  overcome  Esau’s  hatred? 

Jacob  overcame  Esau’s  hatred  by  kindness. 

How  did  he  show  his  kindness? 

He  showed  his  kindness  (1),  By  giving  him  costly 
presents;  (2),  By  going  ahead  to  meet  him. 

Did  Esau  become  reconciled  with  Jacob  ? 

Yes,  he  embraced  Jacob  and  accepted  his  presents. 

Is  it  enough  not  to  revenge  ourselves  on  our 
enemies  ? 

No,  we  must  do  more,  we  must  wish  them  well,  and 
not  refuse  them  the  ordinary  proofs  of  friendliness 
which  we  are  expected  to  give  to  all  men. 

What  do  we  ask  in  the  fifth  petition  of  the  Lord’s 
Prayer  ? 

In  the  fifth  petition  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer  we  ask 
God  to  forgive  us  if  we  forgive  our  enemies,  and  to 
refuse  us  forgiveness  if  we  refuse  to  forgive  them. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  pray  to  God  in 
trouble;  (2),  To  forgive  our  enemies  willingly. 

XIX.  JOSEPH  IS  SOLD  BY  HIS  BROTHERS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  sons  of  Jacob  sold  their  brother 
Joseph. 

How  many  sons  did  Jacob  have  ? 

Jacob  had  twelve  sons. 


78 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Who  was  the  favorite? 

Joseph  was  the  favorite. 

Why  was  Joseph  the  favorite? 

Joseph  was  the  favorite:  (1),  Because  he  was  the 
youngest;  (2),  Because  he  was  innocent  and  obedient. 

How  did  Jacob  show  his  love  for  Joseph? 

Jacob  showed  his  love  for  Joseph  by  giving  him  a 
coat  of  many  colors. 

Was  it  unjust  for  Jacob  to  do  this? 

No,  it  was  not  unjust,  but  it  was  imprudent. 

Why  was  it  imprudent? 

It  was  imprudent  because  it  was  calculated  to 

arouse  the  envy  and  hatred  of  the  other  brothers. 

•/ 

What  increased  their  hatred  and  jealousy? 

The  following  increased  their  hatred  and  jealousy: 
(1),  Joseph  reported  to  their  father  a  very  wicked  crime 
that  the  brothers  committed;  (2),  Joseph  had  a  dream 
which  apparently  raised  him  above  his  brothers. 

Was  Joseph  guilty  of  tale-bearing  when  he  reported 
his  brothers’  sin  to  their  father? 

No,  he  was  not  guilty  of  tale-bearing. 

Why  was  he  not  guilty  of  tale-bearing? 

Tale-bearing  is  to  reveal  another's  faults  without 
necessity.  It  was  Joseph's  duty  to  report  to  his  father 
in  order  to  have  the  brothers  corrected. 

What  did  Joseph  dream? 

Joseph  dreamed  that  he  and  his  brothers  were  bind¬ 
ing  sheaves,  and  that  his  sheaf  arose  and  the  sheaves 
of  the  others  bowed  down  before  it. 

Did  he  relate  this  dream  to  his  brothers? 

Yes,  he  related  it  to  his  brothers. 


Joseph  is  Sold  by  IHs  Brothers.  79 

What  did  Joseph  dream  a  second  time? 

He  dreamed  that  the  sun,  moon,  and  eleven  stars, 
worshiped  him. 

How  were  the  brothers  affected  by  the  dreams  of 
Joseph? 

They  grew  jealous  of  him. 

What  did  Jacob  do  when  Joseph  related  his  dreams? 

Jacob  reprimanded  him. 

Why  did  he  reprimand  Joseph? 

Jaaob  reprimanded  Joseph  because  he  thought 
Joseph  was  too  ambitious,  and  would  excite  the  envy 
of  his  brothers. 

What  other  sin  did  the  brothers  of  Joseph  commit? 

Their  jealousy  led  them  to  hate  Joseph. 

How  did  their  hatred  manifest  itself? 

The}r  were  no  longer  friendly  to  him. 

What  did  they  first  plan  to  do? 

At  first  they  planned  to  kill  Joseph. 

Who  prevented  them  from  carrying  out  their  mur¬ 
derous  plan? 

Ruben  prevented  them. 

What  was  the  other  plan  on  which  they  finally 
agreed? 

They  finally  agreed  to  sell  Joseph  to  some  Egyp¬ 
tian  merchants  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver. 

Whose  plan  was  this? 

This  plan  was  suggested  by  Juda. 

What  did  they  do  to  conceal  their  crime  from  their 
father  ? 

They  killed  a  kid,  dipped  J oseplfis  coat  in  its  blood 
and  brought  it  to  their  father,  saying:  “  This  we  have 
found;  see  whether  it  he  thy  son’s  coat,  or  no.” 


80  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Did  they  succeed  in  deceiving  their  father? 

Yes,  Jacob  believed  that  Joseph  had  been,  torn  to 
pieces  by  a  wild  beast. 

How  did  Jacob  show  his  grief? 

He  rent  his  garments,  and,  putting  on  sackcloth, 
he  mourned  his  son  a  long  time. 

Is  it  wrong  for  us  to  mourn  the  death  of  our 
friends? 

Xo,  it  is  not  wrong,  if  our  grief  is  moderate,  and  if 
we  are  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 

How  did  Jacob  mourn  the  death  of  his  son? 

He  was  inconsolable. 

Whence  can  we  judge  his  great  grief? 

We  judge  his  great  grief  from  his  words.  He  said: 
“  I  will  go  down  to  my  son  into  hell,  mourning.” 

What  place  is  meant  here  by  hell? 

The  word  “  hell  ”  here  means  limbo,  the  place 
where  the  souls  of  the  just  were  before  the  death  of 
( )hrist. 

Why  were  the  souls  of  the  just  not  admitted  to 
heaven? 

They  were  not  admitted  to  heaven  because  the  gates 
of  heaven  had  been  closed  to  all  men  by  the  sin  of 
Adam,  and  Christ  alone  could  open  them. 

What  may  we  conclude  from  the  words  of  Jacob? 

We  may  conclude  from  his  words  that  he  believed 
that  the  soul  is  immortal. 

What  happens  after  the  soul  is  separated  from  the 
body  by  death  ? 

After  the  soul  is  separated  from  the  body,  it  ap¬ 
pears  before  the  judgment-seat  of  God. 


Joseph  is  Sold  by  Ills  Brothers.  81 

Whither  does  the  soul  go  after  the  Particular 
Judgment? 

After  the  Particular  Judgment  the  soul  goes  to  one 
of  three  places,  to  heaven,  to  hell,  or  to  purgatory. 

Who  caused  the  grief  of  Jacob? 

His  own  sons  caused  it. 

How  do  we  sin  against  the  love  we  owe  our  par¬ 
ents? 

We  sin  against  the  love  we  owe  our  parents:  (1), 
By  wishing  them  evil;  (2),  By  causing  them  to  get 
angry;  (3),  By  failing  to  help  them  in  time  of  need. 

Of  whom  is  Joseph  a  type? 

Joseph  is  a  type  of  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

How  is  Joseph  a  type  of  Christ? 

Joseph  is  a  type  of  Christ  because  he  was  the  favor¬ 
ite  son  of  his  father,  Christ  is  the  well  beloved  Son  of 
His  eternal  Father;  Joseph  was  hated  and  persecuted 
by  his  brothers,  and  finally  sold  for  thirty  pieces  of 
silver,  Christ  was  hated  and  persecuted  by  the  Jews, 
and  betrayed  by  one  of  His  Apostles  for  thirty  pieces 
of  silver;  Joseph’s  degradation  was  the  cause  of  his 
exaltation  and  the  salvation  of  his  brothers,  Christ’s 
humiliation  and  death  on  the  cross  is  the  cause  of 
His  own  glorification,  and  our  eternal  salvation. 

How  many  types  of  Christ  have  we  considered  so 
far? 

We  have  considered  seven  types  of  Christ  so  far: 
Adam,  Abel,  Noe,  Melchisedech,  Isaac,  and  Joseph. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  avoid  the  sin  of  jeal¬ 
ousy  and  not  to  cause  our  parents  to  grieve  by  our  bad 
conduct, 


82  The  History  of  the  Peojple  of  Israel. 


XX.  JOSEPH  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  PUTIPHAR. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Joseph  came  to  the  house  of  Puti¬ 
phar,  and  what  happened  there. 

How  did  Joseph  come  to  the  house  of  Putiphar? 

The  Egyptian  merchants  sold  him  to  Putiphar. 

Who  was  Putiphar  ? 

Putiphar  was  the  captain  of  the  king’s  bodyguard. 

How  did  Joseph  behave  in  Putiphar’s  house? 

Joseph  was  faithful  to  Putiphar,  and  unyielding  in 
temptation. 

How  did  he  show  his  fidelity  to  Putiphar? 

Joseph  showed  his  fidelity  to  Putiphar  by  carrying 
out  his  commands  most  faithfully. 

How  did  Putiphar  reward  him? 

He  rewarded  Joseph  by  giving  him  charge  of  his 
whole  household. 

Who  tempted  Joseph  to  sin? 

Putiphar ’s  wife  tempted  Joseph  to  commit  a  sin 
against  holy  purity. 

Did  Joseph  yield  to  the  temptation? 

No,  he  did  not  yield  to  the  temptation. 

How  did  he  overcome  the  temptation? 

He  overcame  the  temptation:  (1),  By  calling  to 
mind  how  good  Putiphar  had  been  to  him;  (2),  By  re¬ 
membering  the  presence  of  God;  (3),  By  fleeing  from 
the  occasion  of  sin. 

What  other  sin  did  Putiphar’s  wife  commit? 

She  committed  the  sin  of  scandal. 


Joseph  in  the  House  of  Putiphar.  83 

How  do  we  sin  by  scandal? 

We  sin  by  scandal  as  often  as  we  say  or  do  anything 
that  may  lead  to  another’s  sin. 

What  should  prevent  us  from  giving  scandal? 

(1),  The  thought  that  the  scandal  giver  is  doing 
the  work  of  Satan,  by  destroying  a  soul  purchased  by 
the  precious  blood  of  Christ;  (2),  The  terrible  conse¬ 
quences  of  scandal,  and  the  threat  of  Our  Lord:  a  Wo 
to  that  man  by  whom  the  scandal  cometh  ”  (Matt, 
xviii.  7),  should  prevent  us  from  giving  scandal. 

What  did  Putiphar’s  wife  do  after  she  had  failed 
to  induce  Joseph  to  sin? 

She  slandered  him. 

How  do  we  sin  by  slander? 

We  sin  by  slander  as  often  as  we  attribute  to  an¬ 
other  faults  that  we  know  he  has  not  committed,  or 
exaggerate  faults  of  which  he  is  really  guilty. 

How  did  Putiphar’s  wife  slander  Joseph? 

She  accused  him  of  having  tried  to  lead  her  to 
commit  sin. 

To  whom  did  she  accuse  him? 

She  accused  him  first  to  the  people  of  her  house¬ 
hold,  and  then  to  her  husband. 

Did  Putiphar  believe  her? 

Yes,  he  believed  her  and  cast  Joseph  into  prison. 

What  sin  did  he  commit  by  believing  his  wife  at 
once  without  investigating? 

He  committed  the  sin  of  rash  judgment. 

When  are  we  guilty  of  rash  judgment? 

We  are  guilty  of  rash  judgment  as  often  as  we  be¬ 
lieve  anything  evil  about  another  without  sufficient 
reason. 


84  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  remember  in 
temptation  that  God  is  everywhere  and  sees  all  things; 
(2),  To  flee  from  the  occasions  of  sin;  (3),  To  be 
charitable  in  our  thoughts  and  words. 

XXL  JOSEPH  IN  PRISON. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  keeper  gave  Joseph  charge  of 
the  prison,  and  that  he  interpreted  the  dreams  of  two 
of  his  fellow-prisoners. 

Why  did  God  permit  the  innocent  Joseph  to  be  cast 
into  prison  and  suffer  so  much? 

God  permitted  it  that  Joseph  might  be  confirmed 
in  virtue,  might  render  himself  worthy  of  his  future 
exaltation,  and,  finally,  that  he  might  lay  up  merits  for 
himself  in  heaven. 

Which  virtues  did  he  practise  during  his  imprison¬ 
ment? 

He  practised,  especially,  humility,  patience,  faith, 
and  confidence  in  God. 

Which  attribute  of  God  do  we  see  in  all  Joseph’s 
suffering  and  trials? 

We  see  in  them  the  wisdom  of  God. 

What  practical  conclusion  should  we  draw  from  the 
wisdom  of  God  ? 

We  should:  (1),  Always  trust  in  God;  (2),  Be 
always  contented  and  resigned  to  whatever  may  happen. 

Why  did  the  keeper  give  Joseph  charge  of  the 
prison? 

The  keeper  gave  Joseph  charge  of  the  prison  be¬ 
cause  he  could  rely  on  him. 


Joseph  in  Prison .  85 

How  did  Joseph  act  when  he  had  charge  of  the 
prison  ? 

He  was  very  kind  to  tlie  prisoners. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  kind  to  the  prisoners  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  kind  to  the  prisoners,  be¬ 
cause  he  inquired  of  the  chief  baker  and  butler  the 
cause  of  their  sadness. 

What  caused  their  sadness? 

Their  sadness  was  caused  by  their  dreams. 

How  did  the  butler  relate  his  dream? 

a 

The  butler  related  his  dream  as  follows:  “I  saw 
before  me  a  vine,  on  which  were  three  branches,  which 
by  little  and  little  sent  out  buds,  and  after  the  blos¬ 
soms,  brought  forth  ripe  grapes:  and  the  cup  of  Pharao 
was  in  my  hand:  and  I  took  the  grapes  and  pressed 
them  into  the  cup  which  I  held,  and  I  gave  the  cup  to 
Pharao.” 

How  did  Joseph  interpret  this  dream? 

Joseph  interpreted  the  dream  to  mean  that  the  king 
in  three  days  would  restore  the  butler  to  his  former 
position. 

How  did  the  chief  baker  relate  his  dream  ? 

He  related  it  as  follows:  “  I  had  three  baskets  of 
meal  upon  my  head:  in  one  basket  which  was  upper¬ 
most,  I  carried  all  meats  that  are  made  by  the  art  of 
baking,  and  the  birds  ate  out  of  it.” 

How  did  Joseph  interpret  this  dream? 

Joseph  interpreted  it  to  mean  that  in  three  days 
the  chief  baker  would  be  executed. 

Was  Joseph’s  interpretation  of  the  dreams  correct? 

Yes;  in  three  davs  the  chief  butler  was  restored  to 
his  former  position,  and  the  chief  baker  was  executed. 


86 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


Was  the  chief  butler  grateful  to  Joseph? 

No,  he  was  very  ungrateful,  for  in  his  joy  at  being 
restored  to  the  favor  of  Pharao,  he  forgot  all  about 
Joseph. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  kind  to  all 
men,  especially  to  those  in  distress;  (2),  To  be  grateful 
for  favors;  (3),  To  pray  for  our  benefactors. 

XXII.  JOSEPH’S  EXALTATION. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Joseph  interpreted  the  dreams  of 
Pharao,  and  that  the  latter  liberated  Joseph  from 
prison  and  made  him  ruler  over  all  Egypt. 

What  was  the  first  dream  of  Pharao? 

Pharao  thought  he  stood  by  the  Nile,  out  of  which 
came  seven  cows,  very  beautiful  and  very  fat;  after 
them  came  seven  others  that  were  lean  and  ill-favored, 
and  they  devoured  the  fat  ones. 

What  is  the  Nile? 

The  Nile  is  the  principal  river  of  Egypt. 

How  does  the  Nile  flow? 

It  flows  north  the  whole  length  of  Egypt. 

Is  the  Nile  of  any  importance  for  Egypt? 

Yes,  because  the  fertility  of  Egypt  depends  on  it. 

In  how  far  does  the  fertility  of  Egypt  depend  on  the 
Nile? 

When  the  Nile  overflows  its  banks  during  the  rainy 
seasons,  it  makes  the  soil  moist,  and  on  receding  leaves 
a  slime  which  acts  as  a  very  good  fertilizer.  If  the 
Nile  does  not  overflow,  the  Egyptians  cannot  expect  a 
crop. 


Joseph's  Exaltation. 


87 


What  was  the  second  dream? 

Pharao  dreamed  that  he  saw  seven  ears  of  corn 
growing  on  one  stalk,  and  the  ears  were  full  and  fair, 
and  after  these  came  up  seven  other  ears,  thin  and 
blighted,  devouring  all  the  beauty  of  the  former. 

Whom  did  Pharao  ask  to  interpret  his  dreams? 

He  asked  the  soothsayers  and  wise  men  of  Egypt. 

Were  they  able  to  interpret  the  dreams? 

No,  they  were  not  able  to  interpret  them. 

Who  did  interpret  them? 

Joseph  interpreted  them. 

How  did  it  come  about  that  Joseph  was  asked  to  in¬ 
terpret  them? 

The  chief  butler  remembered  that  Joseph  had  in¬ 
terpreted  his  dream,  and  told  Pharao  of  it. 

What  did  the  chief  butler  call  Joseph? 

He  called  him  “  a  Hebrew  youth,”  because  the  de¬ 
scendants  of  Abraham  were  called  Hebrews. 

How  did  Joseph  interpret  the  king’s  dreams? 

Joseph  said:  “  The  seven  beautiful  kine  and  the 
seven  full  ears,  are  seven  years  of  plenty  .  .  .  the  seven 
lean  and  thin  kine  and  the  seven  blasted  ears,  are 
seven  years  of  famine,  that  will  follow  the  seven  years 
of  plenty.” 

What  did  Joseph  advise  Pharao? 

Joseph  advised  Pharao  to  provide  a  wise  and  in¬ 
dustrious  man  who  would  gather  into  barns  the  fifth 
part  of  the  fruit  of  the  seven  years  of  plenty. 

Why  did  Joseph  give  the  king  this  advice? 

Joseph  gave  this  advice  to  the  king  because  he  was 
certain  that  the  dreams  would  be  fulfilled  as  he  had 
interpreted  them. 


88  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

Did  Pharao  reward  Joseph? 

Yes;  (1),  He  made  him  ruler  of  all  Egypt,  next  in 
power  to  himself;  (2),  He  presented  him  with  a  robe 
of  silk  and  a  chain  of  gold;  (3),  He  had  him  seated  in 
a  triumphal  chariot  and  proclaimed  governor  of  Egypt; 
(4),  He  called  him  saviour  of  the  world. 

What  does  all  this  show? 

It  shows  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  God. 

How  does  it  show  the  wisdom  of  God? 

It  shows  the  wisdom  of  God  because  He  made  use 
of  the  degradation  of  Joseph  to  exalt  him. 

How  does  it  show  the  justice  of  God? 

It  shows  the  justice  of  God  because  He  rewarded 
Joseph  for  his  many  virtues. 

How  did  God  reward  his  virtues? 

God  rewarded  his  virtues  by  changing  his  suffering 
into  joy. 

How  did  God  change  Joseph’s  suffering  into  joy? 

God  changed  Joseph’s  suffering  into  joy  in  the  fol¬ 
lowing  manner:  Joseph’s  brothers  had  called  him  a 
dreamer,  Pharao  called  him  the  saviour  of  the  world; 
his  brothers  had  taken  from  him  his  many-colored  coat, 
Pharao  gave  him  a  costly  robe;  his  brothers  had  bound 
him  and  cast  him  into  a  cistern,  Pharao  placed  a  ring 
on  his  finger  and  had  him  drawn  through  the  streets  of 
the  city  in  a  triumphal  chariot. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  that  God  does  all  things 
for  the  best. 


The  Sons  of  Jacob  go  into  Egypt. 


89 


XXIII.  THE  SONS  OF  JACOB  GO  INTO  EGYPT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Joseph’s  brothers  came  into  Egypt, 
were  recognized  by  him,  and  put  to  a  test. 

Why  did  the  brothers  of  Joseph  go  into  Egypt? 

They  went  into  Egypt  to  buy  grain. 

Was  there  no  grain  in  Chanaan? 

There  was  no  grain  in  Chanaan  as  there  had  been 
a  famine  there,  as  well  as  in  the  other  countries,  on 
account  of  the  bad  years. 

How  did  it  happen  that  there  was  grain  in  Egypt  ? 

J oseph  had  ordered  the  surplus  of  the  grain  during 
the  years  of  plenty  to  be  stored  up  in  the  granaries. 

Did  all  the  brothers  of  Joseph  go  into  Egypt? 

No,  the  youngest,  Benjamin,  remained  at  home 
with  his  father,  J acob. 

Why  did  Jacob  keep  Benjamin  at  home? 

Jacob  loved  Benjamin  and  feared  something  might 
happen  to  him  on  the  journey,  if  he  allowed  him  to  go. 

How  did  the  sons  of  Jacob  behave  towards  Joseph? 

They  bowed  down  before  him,  as  was  the  custom  in 
the  East. 

What  do  we  see  in  this? 

In  this  we  see  the  fulfilment  of  Joseph’s  dream. 

Did  Joseph  recognize  his  brothers? 

Yes,  he  recognized  them  at  once. 

Did  he  tell  his  brothers  who  he  was  ? 

No,  he  did  not  tell  them. 


90 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Why  did  he  not  tell  them? 

He  did  not  tell  them  because  he  wished  to  bring 
them  to  a  realization  of  their  sins. 

How  did  he  bring  this  about? 

He  brought  this  about  by  putting  them  to  a  test. 

How  did  he  put  them  to  a  test? 

He  put  them  to  a  test  in  the  following  manner:  (1), 
He  called  them  spies;  (2),  He  obliged  them  to  return 
home  and  bring  back  their  brother  Benjamin. 

How  did  Joseph  oblige  them  to  bring  Benjamin? 

He  said  to  them:  “  If  you  be  peaceable  men,  let 
one  of  }rour  brethren  be  bound  in  prison:  and  go  ye 
your  ways  and  carry  the  corn  that  you  have  bought 
into  your  houses.  And  bring  your  youngest  brother 
to  me  that  I  may  find  your  words  to  be  true,  and  you 
may  not  die.” 

How  did  this  bring  them  to  a  realization  of  their 
sins  ? 

This  brought  them  to  a  realization  of  their  sins, 
because  it  obliged  them  to  speak  about  their  family, 
and  consequently  about  Joseph. 

What  did  they  say  among  themselves  about  Joseph? 

They  said  among  themselves:  “  We  deserve  to 
suffer  these  things,  because  we  have  sinned  against  our 
brother,  seeing  the  anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  be¬ 
sought  us  and  -we  would  not  hear:  therefore  is  this 
affliction  come  upon  us.” 

Did  Joseph  hear  what  they  said? 

Yes;  they  thought  that  Joseph  would  not  under¬ 
stand  their  language,  being,  as  they  supposed,  an 
Egyptian. 


91 


The  Sons  of  Jacob  go  into  Egypt. 

How  did  this  confession  of  the  brothers  affect 
Joseph? 

He  was  moved  to  tears. 

Why  did  Joseph  weep? 

He  wept  for  joy  when  he  saw  that  they  repented  of 
their  ill-treatment  of  him. 

Did  Joseph  put  them  to  any  further  test? 

Yes;  he  wanted  to  see  whether  their  grief  was 
genuine,  so  he  ordered  Simeon  to  be  bound. 

Why  did  Joseph  order  him  to  be  bound? 

Joseph  ordered  him  to  be  bound  in  order  to  remind 
them  of  what  they  had  done  to  himself. 

Why  did  he  have  Simeon  bound? 

He  had  Simeon  bound  because  in  all  probability  he 
had  been  the  most  guilty  of  the  sin  against  Joseph. 

Who  had  tried  to  save  Joseph  from  the  hatred  of  his 
brothers  ? 

Kuben,  the  oldest,  had  tried  to  save  him. 

What  did  Joseph  do  for  them? 

He  had  their  sacks  filled  with  wheat,  put  each  one’s 
money  secretly  in  his  sack,  and  gave  them  provisions 
for  the  journey. 

When  did  they  discover  the  money  in  the  sacks  ? 

They  discovered  the  money  while  they  were  on 
their  way  home. 

How  did  this  discovery  affect  them? 

They  feared  very  much. 

Why  did  they  fear? 

They  feared  that  they  might  be  suspected  of  having 
stolen  the  money. 


92  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

Which  virtues  did  Joseph  practise  in  his  treatment 
of  his  brothers? 

Joseph  practised  the  corporal  and  spiritual  works 
of  mercy;  he  gave  food  to  the  hungry,  harbored  the 
stranger,  admonished  the  sinner,  and  forgave  offences 
willingly. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  forgive  all  who  have 
injured  us,  and  to  banish  from  our  hearts  all  feeling 
of  hatred  and  revenge. 

XXIV.  BENJAMIN’S  JOURNEY  INTO  EGYPT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  sons  of  Jacob  made  a  second 
journey  into  Egypt,  and  took  Benjamin  with  them. 

Why  did  they  go  a  second  time  into  Egypt? 

They  went  a  second  time,  as  the  corn  which  they 
brought  from  Egypt  had  been  consumed. 

Whom  did  they  take  with  them? 

They  took  Benjamin. 

Why  did  they  take  Benjamin? 

They  took  Benjamin  because  Joseph  had  warned 
them  not  to  appear  before  him  without  Benjamin. 

Was  Jacob  willing  to  let  Benjamin  go? 

No,  he  was  very  unwilling. 

Why  was  he  unwilling  to  let  Benjamin  go? 

He  was  unwilling  to  let  Benjamin  go  because  he 
feared  that  some  evil  might  befall  him  on  the  journey. 

Who  finally  persuaded  Jacob  to  let  Benjamin  go? 

Juda  did,  and  pledged  himself  for  Benjamin’s  safe 
return. 


Benjamin' s  Journey  into  Egyjpt.  93 

What  did  Jacob  say  to  his  sons? 

He  said  to  them:  “  Take  of  the  best  fruits  of  the 
land  in  your  vessels  and  carry  down  presents  to  the 
man,  a  little  balm  and  honey,  and  storax,  myrrh,  tur¬ 
pentine  and  almonds.  And  take  with  you  double 
money,  and  carry  back  what  you  found  in  your  sacks, 
lest  perhaps  it  was  done  by  mistake.” 

Why  did  he  wish  them  to  take  double  money? 

He  wished  them  to  take  double  money  in  order  to 
remove  all  suspicion  that  they  were  coming  for  the 
purpose  of  stealing. 

Why  did  Jacob  insist  on  them  bringing  back  the 
money  they  had  found  in  their  sacks? 

Jacob  insisted  on  them  bringing  back  the  money 
because  he  thought  it  did  not  belong  to  them. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this? 

We  learn  from  this  that  Jacob  was  upright  and 
honest. 

What  must  we  do  when  we  have  in  our  possession 
something  which  does  not  belong  to  us? 

We  must  restore  whatever  does  not  belong  to  us 
to  its  rightful  owner  or  his  heirs. 

May  we  not  satisfy  the  obligation  of  restitution  by 
having  Masses  said  for  the  owner? 

Ho,  we  are  not  allowed  to  use  the  money,  because 
it  does  not  belong  to  us. 

But  if  the  rightful  owner  is  dead,  and  we  do  not 
know  his  heirs,  may  we  then  retain  it? 

If  we  cannot  find  the  rightful  owner,  we  may  keep 
it;  but  it  is  advisable  to  give  it  to  the  poor,  or  have 
Masses  said, 


94  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

How  did  Joseph  receive  his  brothers? 

He  received  them  in  a  very  friendly  manner. 

About  whom  did  he  inquire? 

He  inquired  about  Jacob. 

What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  his  love  for  his  father. 

What  may  children  who  keep  the  fourth  Command¬ 
ment  expect? 

Children  who  keep  the  fourth  Commandment  may 
expect  long  life  and  God's  blessing  in  this  life  and 
eternal  happiness  in  the  next. 

How  did  Joseph  greet  Benjamin? 

He  said  to  him:  “  God  be  gracious  to  thee,  my 
son." 

Why  did  he  greet  Benjamin  so  warmly? 

He  greeted  Benjamin  so  warmly  in  order  to  assure 
his  brothers  that  they  had  no  reason  to  fear  for  him. 

How  was  Joseph  affected  when  he  saw  Benjamin? 

He  was  moved  to  tears  when  he  saw  him. 

Why  did  he  try  to  conceal  his  emotion  from  his 
brothers  ? 

He  tried  to  conceal  his  emotion  because  he  feared 
that  they  might  discover  who  he  was. 

How  did  Joseph  treat  his  brothers? 

After  he  found  that  they  were  truly  penitent,  he 
returned  them  good  for  evil. 

How  did  Joseph  return  good  for  evil? 

Joseph’s  brothers  had  cast  him  into  a  cistern  to 
perish  of  hunger;  he  received  them  into  his  house  and 
prepared  a  sumptuous  banquet  for  them. 


Joseph* s  Silver  Cup . 


95 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  restore  whatever 
does  not  belong  to  us;  ( 2),  To  return  good  for  evil; 
(3),  Never  to  forget  the  benefits  we  have  received  from 
our  parents. 

XXV.  JOSEPH’S  SILVER  CUP. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Joseph  tried  his  brothers  a  second 
time. 

Why  did  he  try  them  a  second  time? 

Joseph  wished  to  see:  (1),  Whether  they  were 
jealous  of  Benjamin,  as  they  had  been  of  himself;  (2), 
Whether  their  repentance  was  genuine;  (3),  He  wished 
to  give  them  an  opportunity  to  do  penance  for  their 
sins  against  him. 

How  did  he  try  them  a  second  time  ? 

He  ordered  his  steward  to  put  his  own  silver  cup 
in  Benjamin’s  sack. 

What  happened  then? 

The  steward  hurried  after  the  brothers  and  ac¬ 
cused  them  of  theft. 

When  do  we  sin  by  theft? 

We  sin  by  theft:  (1),  When  we  take  what  belongs 
to  another,  or  help  others  to  do  so;  (2),  When  we  buy 
stolen  goods,  keep  what  we  have  found,  or  do  not  pay 
our  lawful  debts. 

What  did  the  brothers  reply  to  the  steward’s  accu¬ 
sation? 

They  replied:  “  With  whomsoever  .  .  .  shall  be 
found  that  which  thou  seekest,  let  him  die,  and  we  will 
be  the  bondmen  of  my  lord.” 


96  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

Why  did  they  speak  thus? 

They  thought  they  might  do  this  safely,  as  they 
were  all  innocent  of  any  theft. 

In  whose  sack  did  the  steward  find  the  cup? 

He  found  it  in  the  sack  of  Benjamin. 

What  did  the  brothers  do  after  the  cup  had  been 
found  in  Benjamin’s  sack? 

They  did  not  try  to  excuse  themselves  and  place 
the  blame  on  Benjamin,  but  offered  themselves  as 
bondsmen  for  their  youngest  brother. 

How  did  they  consider  this  last  misfortune? 

They  considered  it  a  just  punishment  for  their  sins 
against  Joseph. 

Would  Joseph  accept  their  proposal? 

No,  he  insisted  that  Benjamin  should  be  punished. 

What  happened  then? 

Then  Juda  told  Joseph  how  much  the  loss  of  Ben¬ 
jamin  would  grieve  their  father,  and  offered  himself  as 
slave  in  his  brothers  stead. 

What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  that  the  brothers  had  truly  repented  of 
their  sins. 

How  does  it  show  that  they  had  truly  repented? 

It  shows  that  they  had  truly  repented  because  they 
were  not  jealous  of  Benjamin,  and  were  willing  to  sac¬ 
rifice  themselves  to  spare  their  father  any  sorrow. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  Not  to  cause  our  par¬ 
ents  any  pain;  (2),  To  make  little  sacrifices  for  our 
younger  brothers  and  sisters. 


Joseph  Makes  Himself  Known  to  His  Brothers.  97 


XXVI.  JOSEPH  MAKES  HIMSELF  KNOWN  TO 

HIS  BROTHERS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Joseph  made  himself  known  to  his 
brothers. 

Why  did  Joseph  make  himself  known  to  his 
brothers  ? 

Joseph  made  himself  known  to  his  brothers  because 
he  loved  them  when  he  saw  that  they  had  truly  re¬ 
pented  of  their  misdeeds. 

How  did  he  make  himself  known  to  his  brothers? 

He  ordered  all  his  servants  and  officers  to  retire; 
then  he  said  to  his  brothers:  “I  am  Joseph:  is  my 
father  yet  living?” 

Why  did  he  order  his  servants  and  officers  to  retire  ? 

He  ordered  his  servants  and  officers  to  retire  be¬ 
cause  he  wished  to  speak  freely  with  his  brothers,  and 
did  not  want  to  reveal  their  former  sins  to  strangers. 

Why  did  he  ask  first  for  his  father? 

He  asked  first  for  his  father  because  in  his  great 
love  for  his  father  he  wished  to  find  out  whether  he 
still  lived. 

How  do  children  sin  against  the  love  they  owe  their 
parents  ? 

Children  sin  against  the  love  they  owe  their  par¬ 
ents:  (1),  By  making  them  angry  or  giving  them 
trouble;  (2),  By  wishing  them  ill-luck;  (3),  By  not  help¬ 
ing  them  in  necessity. 

How  did  Joseph’s  words  affect  the  brothers? 

They  could  not  speak  for  fear. 


98 


The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Why  did  they  fear? 

They  feared  that  Joseph  would  punish  them. 

How  did  Joseph  comfort  them? 

He  said  to  them:  “  Come  nearer  to  me  ...  I  am 
Joseph,  your  brother,  whom  you  sold  into  Egypt.  Be 
not  afraid,  ...  for  God  sent  me  before  you  into  Egypt 
for  your  preservation. ’’ 

Why  did  his  words  comfort  his  brothers? 

His  words  comforted  his  brothers,  because  they 
showed  that  Joseph  had  forgiven  them,  and  that  he 
considered  his  good  fortune  due  to  divine  providence. 

How  did  God  bring  good  out  of  evil  in  the  case  of 
Joseph’s  brothers’  sin? 

God  brought  good  out  of  their  sin  in  the  following 
manner:  (1),  Joseph  was  tried  and  confirmed  in  virtue 
by  their  sin;  (2),  He  became  the  saviour  of  Egypt  and 
his  own  family;  (3),  It  was  the  means  of  bringing 
about  the  conversion  of  the  brothers. 

How  did  Joseph  show  again  his  love  for  his  father 
and  brothers? 

He  showed  again  his  love  for  his  father  and 
brothers  by  asking  them  to  return  to  Egypt  and  to 
bring  their  father  back  with  them. 

Of  whom  is  Joseph  a  type? 

Joseph  is  a  type  of  our  divine  Saviour,  who  prayed 
for  His  enemies  on  the  cross. 

Did  King  Pharao  rejoice  with  Joseph? 

Yes,  he  told  Joseph  to  invite  his  father  and 
brothers  to  come  to  Egypt. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  seek  to  be  recon¬ 
ciled  with  those  who  have  offended  us;  (2),  To  bear 
suffering  patiently  for  God’s  sake. 


Jacob  goes  into  Egypt, 


99 


XXVII.  JACOB  GOES  INTO  EGYPT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jacob,  taking  his  family  and  all  he 
possessed,  went  up  into  Egypt. 

How  was  Jacob  affected  by  the  news  his  sons 
brought  about  Joseph? 

He  would  not  believe  it  at  first.  Finally  he  awoke 
as  if  from  a  deep  sleep,  his  spirit  revived,  and  his  Iieart 
was  filled  with  joy. 

How  did  his  sons  convince  Jacob? 

They  showed  him  the  chariots  and  all  the  presents 
Joseph  had  sent. 

How  did  Jacob  give  expression  to  his  joy? 

He  said:  “  It  is  enough  for  me,  if  Joseph  my  son 
be  yet  living:  I  will  go,  and  see  him  before  I  die.” 

How  did  Jacob  feel  on  leaving  his  own  country? 

His  soul  was  filled  with  fear  and  anxiety  on  leaving 
his  own  country. 

Why  did  he  fear? 

He  feared  whether  it  was  right  for  him  to  leave  of 
his  own  accord  the  land  that  God  had  promised  him 
and  his  descendants. 

Why  was  his  soul  filled  with  anxiety? 

His  soul  was  filled  with  anxiety  because  he  was  to 
enter  a  strange  country. 

How  did  Jacob  try  to  discover  the  will  of  God? 

Jacob  tried  to  discover  the  will  of  God  by  offering 
sacrifice. 


100  The  History  of  the  Peojple  of  Israel . 

Did  God  reveal  His  will  to  Jacob? 

Yes,  God  assured  Jacob  that:  (1),  It  was  His  will 
that  he  should  go  into  Egypt;  (2),  That  his  descend¬ 
ants  would  become  a  great  people  in  Egypt;  (3),  That 
they  would  return  again  to  the  land  of  Chanaan. 

How  did  Joseph  show  his  love  for  his  father? 

Joseph  showed  his  love  for  his  father  in  the  follow¬ 
ing  manner:  He  went  out  to  meet  Jacob,  and  as  soon 
as  he  saw  him  he  descended  from  his  chariot,  embraced 
him,  and  wept  for  joy.  Then  he  gave  him  the  most 
beautiful  and  fertile  possessions  of  Egypt. 

How  did  Jacob  express  his  joy  when  he  saw  Joseph? 

Jacob  said:  “Now  I  shall  die  with  joy,  because  I 
have  seen  thy  face,  and  leave  thee  alive.” 

Of  what  do  the  words  of  Jacob  remind  us? 

They  remind  us  of  the  words  of  Simeon  when  the 
Child  Jesus  was  presented  in  the  Temple. 

How  did  Joseph  show  his  respect  for  his  father? 

Joseph  showed  his  respect  for  his  father  by  not 
being  ashamed  of  him,  but  presenting  him  to  King 
Pharao. 

How  do  children  sin  against  the  respect  they  owe 
their  parents  ? 

Children  sin  against  the  respect  they  owe  their  par¬ 
ents:  (1),  By  despising  them;  (2),  By  speaking  ill  of 
them;  (3),  By  being  unkind  and  stubborn  to  them;  (4), 
By  being  ashamed  of  them. 

How  did  the  king  treat  Jacob? 

He  honored  him  highly. 

Why  did  the  king  honor  him  ? 

The  king  honored  Jacob:  (1),  Because  he  was  the 
father  of  his  faithful  governor  and  counsellor;  (2),  Be¬ 
cause  of  his  old  age. 


The  Last  Words  of  Jacob  and  Joseph .  101 

How  should  children  treat  old  people  ? 

Children  should  he  always  friendly  to  old  people, 
speak  to  them  kindly,  and  never  make  fun  of  them. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  respect  our  par¬ 
ents;  (2),  To  honor  old  age. 


XXVIII.  THE  LAST  WORDS  OF  JACOB  AXI) 

JOSEPH. 


What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jacob  and  Joseph  prepared  for  death, 
and  foretold  many  future  events. 

How  long  did  Jacob  live  in  Egypt? 

Jacob  lived  seventeen  years  in  Egypt. 

♦ 

What  did  Jacob  decide  before  his  death? 

He  decided  that  the  sons  of  Joseph,  Ephraim  and 
Manasses,  should  constitute  one  of  the  tribes,  and  have 
their  share  of  the  land  of  Chanaan,  and  that  he  should 
be  buried  in  his  own  country. 

What  did  Jacob  prophesy  about  Juda? 

Jacob  said  to  Juda:  “  Juda,  thee  shall  thy  brethren 
praise;  thy  hand  shall  be  on  the  neck  of  thy  enemies: 
the  sons  of  thy  father  shall  bow  down  to  thee.  .  .  .  The 
sceptre  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  Juda  till  He  come 
that  is  to  be  sent,  and  He  shall  be  the  expectation  of 
nations  ” 

What  does  this  prophecy  contain  ? 

This  prophecy  contains  the  assurance:  (1),  That 
tho  tribe  of  Juda  would  rule  the  other  tribes  of  Israel; 


102  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

(2),  That  Juda’s  rule  would  be  taken  away;  (3),  That 
the  Messias  would  appear  about  that  time;  (4),  That 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth  would  long  for  Ilis  coming. 

What  may  we  conclude  from  the  way  that  Jacob 
prepared  for  his  death? 

We  may  conclude  that  he  was  a  just  man,  who 
calmly  awaited  the  coming  of  death. 

How  did  Joseph  show  his  love  for  his  father  after 
death? 

When  Joseph  saw  that  his  father  was  dead,  he  fell 
upon  his  face  and  wept,  lie  had  the  body  of  his  father 
embalmed  and  buried,  according  to  his  last  wish,  in 
Hebron. 

How  did  the  king  express  his  sympathy  for  Joseph 
at  the  death  of  his  father? 

The  king  commanded  that  all  Egypt  should  mourn 
for  seventy  days. 

What  did  Joseph  prophesy  to  his  brothers  just 
before  his  death? 

He  prophesied  that  God  would  lead  them  back  to 
the  land  of  Chanaan. 

What  did  he  say  to  them? 

He  said:  “  God  will  visit  you  after  my  death,  and 
will  make  you  go  up  out  of  this  land,  to  the  land  which 
He  swore  to  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob.  .  .  .  Carry  my 
bones  with  you  out  of  this  place.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  fulfil  the  wishes 
of  our  parents  when  reasonable;  (2),  To  live  so  that 
we  need  not  fear  death;  (3),  To  pray  frequently  for  a 
happy  death. 


Job's  Patience . 


103 


XXIX.  JOB’S  PATIENCE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  how  a  pious  man  named  Job  bore  his 
suffering. 

When  did  Job  live? 

Job  lived  about  the  time  of  the  Patriarchs. 

Who  are  the  Patriarchs? 

The  Patriarchs  are  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  and 
his  twelve  sons. 

Where  did  Job  live? 

Job  lived  in  Arabia. 

Where  is  Arabia? 

Arabia  is  in  Asia,  bounded  on  the  north  by  the 
Turkish  Empire,  on  the  south  by  the  Gulf  of  Aden  and 
Arabian  Sea,  on  the  east  by  the  Gulf  of  Persia,  and  the 
west  by  the  Bed  Sea. 

What  was  Job? 

Job  was  a  very  rich  and  pious  man. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  rich? 

We  know  that  he  was  rich  because  he  had  a  great 
deal  of  cattle,  much  land,  and  many  servants. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  pious  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  pious  because  he  feared  God, 
and  was  charitable  to  the  poor. 

Why  did  God  afflict  Job  ? 

God  afflicted  him  to  show  Satan  that  Job  would  be 
as  pious  and  God-fearing  in  misfortune  and  poverty  as 
in  prosperity. 


104  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


Had  Satan  doubted  this? 

Yes;  Satan  thought  that  Job  was  pious  only  be¬ 
cause  God  had  been  good  to  him. 

In  what  did  the  trial  of  Job  consist? 

It  was  twofold.  It  consisted:  (1),  In  the  loss  of 
his  cattle,  his  servants,  and  children;  (2),  In  a  loath¬ 
some  sickness,  an  ulcer  that  covered  his  whole  body. 

How  did  Job  bear  his  misfortune? 

Job  bore  his  misfortune  with  patience  and  resigna- 
t ion  to  tin*  will  of  God. 

What  added  to  his  misfortune? 

The  following  added  to  his  misfortune:  (1),  Ilis 
wife  ridiculed  him,  and  tried  to  induce  him  to  blas¬ 
pheme  God;  (2),  Ilis  friends  looked  on  his  misfortunes 
as  a  just  punishment  for  his  sins. 

What  sin  did  the  wife  of  Job  commit? 

She  doubted  God’s  providence. 

What  sin  did  his  friends  commit? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  rash  judgment. 

Why  does  God  often  permit  the  just  to  suffer? 

God  permits  the  just  to  suffer  in  order  that  by 
suffering  they  may  obtain  more  merit,  and  conse¬ 
quently  a  greater  reward  in  heaven. 

How  did  Job  bear  his  second  trial? 

His  faith  grew  firmer  and  his  confidence  in  God 
stronger. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  trusted  in  God? 

We  know  that  he  trusted  in  God  from  his  words: 
“  Although  He  should  kill  me,  I  will  trust  in  Him.” 


Job's  Patience .  105 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  resigned  to  the  will 
of  God? 

We  know  that  he  was  resigned  to  the  will  of  God 
from  his  words:  "If  we  have  received  good  things 
at  the  hand  of  God,  why  should  we  not  receive  evil?” 

How  do  we  know  that  his  faith  was  firm? 

We  know  that  his  faith  was  firm  from  his  own 
words.  He  said:  “  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  in  the  Last  Day  1  shall  rise  out  of  the  earth.  And 
shall  be  clothed  again  with  my  skin,  and  in  my  flesh  I 
shall  see  my  God.  Whom  I  myself  shall  see  and  not 
another.  This  my  hope  is  laid  up  in  my  bosom.” 

What  do  these  words  express? 

These  words  express  Job’s  belief:  (1),  In  a  Re¬ 
deemer;  (2),  In  the  Resurrection. 

Will  all  men  rise  from  the  dead? 

Yes,  all  men  will  rise  from  the  dead;  the  bodies  of 
the  just  will  be  glorified,  but  the  bodies  of  the  wicked 
will  be  hideous. 

Why  will  the  body  rise  again? 

The  body  will  rise  again:  (1),  To  prove  God’s 
justice;  (2),  To  honor  Our  Redeemer. 

How  does  the  resurrection  of  the  body  prove  the 
justice  of  God? 

The  resurrection  of  the  body  proves  the  justice  of 
God  because  it  is  only  just  that  the  body,  which  is  an 
essential  part  of  man,  and  which  shared  in  his  sins  and 
good  works,  should  also  partake  of  his  joys  or  suffer¬ 
ing  in  the  life  to  come. 

How  does  the  resurrection  of  the  body  honor  Our 
Redeemer? 

Christ  redeemed  the  whole  man,  body  as  well  as 


10G  The  History  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

soul;  now  if  the  body  would  not  rise  again  man’s  re¬ 
demption  would  not  be  complete  and  Satan  would  be 
at  least  partly  victorious. 

How  did  God  reward  Job? 

God  gave  him  twice  as  much  as  he  had  before  his 
affliction,  blessed  him  with  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters,  and  a  long  life. 

How  long  did  Job  live  after  his  affliction? 

He  lived  one  hundred  and  forty  years. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  never  to  murmur  against 
God,  but  to  be  resigned  to  llis  will  in  all  things. 


THE  WONDERFUL  DEVELOPMENT 
AND  GUIDANCE  OF  THE 
PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL. 


XXX.  THE  BIRTH  OF  MOSES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  how  God  saved  Moses  from  death. 

What  had  God  promised  the  Patriarchs  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob? 

God  had  promised  them  that  their  descendants 
would  be  very  numerous. 

How  was  the  promise  fulfilled? 

The  descendants  of  Jacob  became  a  great  people  in 
Egypt. 

What  did  the  king  think  of  the  wonderful  growth 
of  the  Israelites? 

He  feared  very  much. 

Why  did  he  fear  ? 

He  feared  lest  the  Israelites  would  help  the  enemy 
in  case  of  war. 

What  did  the  king  resort  to  ? 

He  tried  to  stop  the  increase  of  the  Israelites  by 
oppression. 


107 


108  Developvnent  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

How  did  he  oppress  them? 

He  appointed  Egyptian  overseers  who  were  very 
cruel  and  forced  them  to  do  very  hard  work. 

Did  the  king  succeed  in  his  object? 

No;  the  more  he  oppressed  them  the  more  they  in¬ 
creased. 

What  other  means  did  he  resort  to? 

He  decreed  that  every  male  Hebrew  child  should 
be  cast  into  the  river. 

How  did  the  mother  of  Moses  try  to  save  him? 

At  first  she  hid  him  for  three  months,  then  she 
placed  him  in  a  basket  of  reeds  among  the  bulrushes 
near  the  bank  of  the  river. 

How  did  she  protect  the  basket  against  the  water? 

She  “  daubed  it  with  slime  and  pitch.” 

What  happened  to  the  child? 

The  king’s  daughter  saw  the  basket,  had  it  brought 
to  her,  and  found  the  child  in  it. 

Whom  did  the  king’s  daughter  choose  to  bring  up 
the  child? 

She  chose  the  child’s  own  mother. 

How  did  this  happen? 

The  child’s  sister,  who  was  standing  near  by,  was 
told  to  get  a  Hebrew  nurse  for  it,  and  she  got  her  own 
mother. 

What  happened  to  the  child  afterwards? 

It  was  adopted  by  the  king’s  daughter. 

What  was  the  child  called? 

It  was  called  Moses. 

What  does  the  word  “Moses”  mean? 

“  Moses  ”  means  “  saved  from  the  waters.”  • 


The  Flight  of  Moses. 


109 


What  does  this  lesson  show? 

It  shows  the  wisdom  of  God. 

How  does  it  show  the  wisdom  of  God  ? 

God  had  destined  Moses  to  be  the  leader  and  law¬ 
giver  of  the  Jewish  people.  Hence  He  directed  things 
so  that  the  king’s  daughter  should  save  Moses  and  have 
him  educated  at  court  in  a  manner  befitting  his  future 
calling. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is  all¬ 
wise? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  all-wise,  we  mean  that 
He  knows  how  to  direct  everything  for  the  best,  in  order 
to  carry  out  His  designs. 

Of  what  does  the  rescue  of  Moses  remind  us? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  flight  of  the  Child  Jesus  into 
Egypt  during  the  slaughter  of  the  Holy  Innocents. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  trust  in  God  in  time  of 
danger. 


XXXI.  THE  FLIGHT  OF  MOSES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Moses  fled  from  Egypt. 

Where  was  Moses  brought  up? 

He  was  brought  up  at  first  in  the  home  of  his 
parents  in  the  faith  of  the  one  true  God  and  the 
coming  Redeemer. 

Where  was  he  educated  afterwards? 

He  was  educated  at  the  court  of  the  king. 

Did  he  remain  long  at  court  ? 

Xo,  he  left  soon  after  he  reached  the  age  of  man¬ 
hood. 


110  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Which  virtues  did  he  show  by  leaving  court? 

He  showed  his  faith  and  love  of  his  neighbor 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  Moses’  faith? 

Moses’  faith  was  lively  and  constant. 

How  do  we  know  that  his  faith  was  lively? 

We  know  that  his  faith  was  lively  because  he  lived 
up  to  it  in  spite  of  the  temptations  of  the  heathen 
court. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  constant? 

We  know  that  it  was  constant  because  he  shared 
the  sufferings  of  his  people  on  account  of  his  faith. 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  his  brotherly  love? 

II is  brotherly  love  was  sincere,  unselfish,  and 
universal. 

How  do  we  know  that  his  brotherly  love  was 
sincere  ? 

We  know  that  his  brotherly  love  was  sincere  be- 

V 

cause  he  pitied  his  people  and  took  their  part. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  unselfish? 

We  know  that  it  was  unselfish  because  he  gave  up 
his  place  at  court  in  order  to  help  his  people. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  universal  ? 

We  know  that  it  was  universal,  because  it  embraced 
all  the  Israelites. 

What  happened  when  Moses  took  the  part  of  his 
people  ? 

When  Moses  took  the  part  of  the  Israelites  he 
aroused  the  anger  and  hatred  of  the  king. 

How  did  the  anger  of  the  king  show  itself? 

He  tried  to  kill  Moses. 

How  did  Moses  save  his  life? 

Moses  saved  his  life  by  fleeing  to  Madian. 


The  Burning  Bush. 


Ill 


Where  is  Madian? 

Madian  is  on  the  peninsula  of  Sinai,  in  Arabia. 

"Whither  did  Moses  go  in  Madian  ? 

He  went  to  the  house  of  the  high  priest  Jethro. 

Had  Moses  reason  to  expect  that  he  would  he  well 
received  in  the  house  of  Jethro? 

Yes,  because  he  had  defended  the  daughters  of 
Jethro  from  the  attack  of  some  shepherds. 

How  long  did  Moses  stay  with  Jethro? 

Moses  stayed  with  Jethro  forty  years. 

What  did  Moses  do  during  this  time  ? 

During  this  time  Moses  tended  the  flocks  of  Jethro, 
and  prepared  himself  in  solitude  for  his  mission. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  solitude  and  to  help 
the  poor  and  oppressed. 


XXXII.  THE  BURNING  BUSH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  appeared  to  Moses  in  a  burning 
bush,  and  appointed  him  leader  and  liberator  of  the 
people  of  Israel. 

Where  did  God  appear  to  Moses? 

He  appeared  in  the  desert  (land  that  was  not  in¬ 
habited  and  used  only  for  pasture),  on  Mount  Horeb. 

How  did  God  appear  to  him? 

He  appeared  as  a  flame  of  fire  that  came  forth  from 
a  bush. 


1.12  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

What  impression  did  the  burning  bush  make  on 
Moses? 

He  was  surprised  that  the  burning  bush  was  not 
consumed. 

What  could  he  see  from  this? 

He  could  see  from  this  that  the  fire  was  not  natural, 
but  supernatural. 

How  did  God  reveal  Himself  to  Moses? 

God  called  to  Moses  from  the  burning  bush: 
“  Come  not  nigh  hither,  put  ofT  the  shoes  from  thy 
feet:  for  the  place,  whereon  thou  standest,  is  holy 
ground.  ...  1  am  the  God  of  thy  father,  the  God  of 
Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.” 

Why  was  Moses  commanded  to  put  off  his  shoes? 

Moses  was  commanded  to  put  off  his  shoes  to  show 
his  reverence  for  the  holy  place. 

Why  was  the  place  holy? 

It  was  holy  because  God  appeared  there. 

Of  what  holy  place  does  this  remind  us? 

It  reminds  us  of  a  church. 

How  did  God  make  Moses  the  leader  and  liberator 
of  the  people  of  Israel? 

God  said  to  Moses:  “  I  have  seen  the  affliction  of 
My  people  in  Egypt,  .  .  .  and  I  am  come  down  to  deliver 
them  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to  bring 
them  out  of  that  land  into  a  good  and  spacious  land, 
into  a  land  that  tloweth  with  milk  and  honey.  .  .  .  But 
come,  and  I  will  send  thee  to  Pharao  that  thou  inayest 
bring  forth  My  people,  the  children  of  Israel,  out  of 
Egypt.” 

What  do  these  words  prove? 

They  prove  that  God  knows  all  things  and  is  alb 
good. 


The  Burning  Bush . 


113 


Which  words  prove  that  He  knows  all  things  ? 

The  words,  “I  have  seen  the  affliction  of  My  people 
in  Egypt/’  prove  that  He  knows  all  things. 

Which  words  prove  that  He  is  all-good? 

The  following  words  prove  that  lie  is  all-good:  “  I 
am  come  to  deliver  them  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Egyp¬ 
tians  and  to  bring  them  out  of  that  land  into  a  land 
that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey/’ 

What  had  God  promised  Jacob? 

God  had  promised  Jacob  to  lead  the  people  of  Israel 
out  of  Egypt  into  the  land  of  Chanaan. 

When  did  God  promise  this  to  Jacob? 

God  promised  this  to  Jacob  when  He  appeared  to 
him  before  his  journey  into  Egypt,  and  said:  “  Fear 
not,  go  down  into  Egypt,  for  1  will  make  a  great  nation 
of  thee  there.  I  will  go  down  with  thee  thither,  and 
will  bring  thee  back  again  from  thence.” 

Did  Moses  willingly  accept  the  mission  to  which 
God  had  called  him? 

Ho,  he  refused  at  first. 

Why  did  he  refuse  ? 

He  refused  because  he  did  not  consider  himself 
capable  of  performing  so  difficult  a  task. 

How  many  objections  did  Moses  offer  against  ac¬ 
cepting  the  mission? 

He  offered  four  objections. 

What  was  the  first? 

The  first  objection  of  Moses  was  as  follows:  He 
said:  “  Who  am  I  that  I  should  go  to  Pharao  and 
should  bring  forth  the  children  of  Israel  out  of 
Egypt?” 


114  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

What  did  he  mean  to  say  by  these  words? 

Moses  meant  that,  being  a  poor,  simple  shepherd, 
he  could  not  be  expected  to  carry  out  so  high  and  ditli- 
cult  a  mission. 

How  did  God  answer  this  objection? 

God  answered  this  objection  by  promising  to  pro- 
tect  him. 

How  did  God  promise  to  protect  him? 

God  said  to  Moses:  “  I  will  be  with  thee.” 

What  was  Moses’  second  objection? 

Moses  said:  “  Lo  1  shall  go  to  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  say  to  them:  The  God  of  your  fathers  hath 
sent  me  to  you.  If  they  shall  say  to  me  what  is  His 
name?  What  shall  I  say  to  them?” 

What  did  God  answer  to  his  second  objection? 

God  said:  “  /  am  who  am.  .  .  .  Thus  shalt  thou 
say  to  the  children  of  Israel.  lie  who  is  hath  sent  me 
to  you.” 

What  do  the  words  “  I  am  who  am  ”  prove? 

The  words  “  /  am  who  am  ”  prove  that  God  is 
eternal,  self-existent,  independent.  All  others  have 
their  being  from  God.  He  is  the  one  who  has  not  a 
being,  but  is  everything  which  lie  has. 

What  was  Moses’  third  objection? 

His  third  objection  was  as  follows.  He  said:  “  I 
beseech  thee,  Lord,  I  am  not  eloquent  .  .  .  and  since 
Thou  hast  spoken  to  Thy  servant,  I  have  more  impedi¬ 
ment  and  slowness  of  tongue.” 

What  did  he  mean  by  these  words? 

Moses  meant  that  he  was  unable  to  speak  publicly 
to  the  people  of  Israel,  as  he  was  slow  of  speech. 


The  Burning  Bush. 


115 


How  did  God  answer  this  objection? 

God  answered  this  objection  by  calling  Aaron  to 
proclaim  to  the  people  all  that  He  would  reveal  to 
Moses. 

What  was  Moses’  fourth  objection? 

His  fourth  objection  was  that  the  people  would  not 
believe  him. 

Was  this  objection  reasonable? 

Yes,  because  the  people  had  a  right  to  ask  Moses 
to  prove  his  mission. 

How  did  God  instruct  Moses  to  prove  his  mission? 

God  instructed  Moses  to  prove  his  mission  by 
miracles. 

Mention  one  miracle. 

God  commanded  Moses  to  cast  his  rod  on  the 
ground.  It  was  turned  into  a  serpent,  and  at  God’s 
command  Moses  seized  the  serpent  and  it  became  a  rod 

again. 

Why  did  God  perform  this  miracle? 

God  performed  this  miracle  so  that  Moses  might 
repeat  it  to  the  Israelites,  and  thus  prove  to  them  that 
he  had  been  chosen  by  God  to  lead  them  out  of  Egypt. 

What  is  a  miracle? 

A  miracle  is  a  work  that  cannot  be  performed  by 
the  powers  of  nature,  and  hence  can  be  brought  about 
only  by  a  being  to  whom  nature’s  powers  are  subject. 

What  difference  was  there  between  the  miracles  of 
Christ  and  the  miracles  of  Moses  ? 

Moses  performed  miracles  by  a  power  given  him  by 
God:  Christ  performed  miracles  by  His  own  power. 


1 1 6  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

How  did  Moses  prove  his  mission  to  the  Israelites? 

He  assembled  all  the  people,  and  to  confirm  his 
claim  he  changed  his  rod  into  a  serpent  and  then  the 
serpent  into  a  rod. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  attentive  and 
devout  in  church;  (2),  To  follow  the  voice  of  God  in 
making  a  choice  of  life. 


XXXIII.  THE  TEX  PLAGUES  OF  EGYPT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  God  punished  Pharao  and  his 
country. 

w 

How  did  Moses  and  Aaron  carry  out  God’s  com¬ 
mand  ? 

They  appeared  before  Pharao  and  said  to  him: 
“  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel:  Let  My  people  go 
that  they  may  sacrifice  to  Me  in  the  desert.” 

r  w 

Why  did  they  call  God  the  “  God  of  Israel  ”? 

They  called  God  “  the  God  of  Israel  ”  because  Israel 

w 

believed  in  the  one  true  God. 

Did  Pharao  let  the  Israelites  go? 

Xo,  he  oppressed  them  more  than  ever. 

What  did  he  say  ? 

He  said:  “  Who  is  the  Lord  that  I  should  hear  His 
voice,  and  let  Israel  go?  1  know  not  the  I^ord,  neither 
will  1  let  Israel  go.” 

What  did  Aaron  do  in  order  to  make  his  command 
more  emphatic? 

To  make  his  command  more  emphatic  Aaron  per¬ 
formed  a  miracle;  he  changed  his  rod  into  a  serpent. 


The  Ten  Plagues  of  Egypt. 


117 


Why  did  Aaron  perform  this  miracle  ? 

Aaron  performed  this  miracle  to  show  the  king  that 
the  God  of  Israel  was  greater  than  he. 

What  impression  did  the  miracle  make  on  Pharao? 

He  remained  stubborn,  and  refused  to  let  the  Israel¬ 
ites  go. 

What  did  God  do  then  ? 

God  punished  the  whole  country. 

Why  did  God  send  the  ten  plagues? 

God  sent  the  ten  plagues:  (1),  To  induce  Pharao 
to  obey  His  command;  (2),  To  punish  the  Egyptians 
for  their  idolatry  and  oppression  of  the  Israelites;  (3), 
To  confirm  the  Israelites  in  their  faith. 

What  were  the  plagues  for  Pharao  and  his  people? 

They  were  exterior  graces. 

Did  God  send  the  ten  plagues  all  at  once? 

No;  He  allowed  some  time  to  elapse  between  each, 
so  as  to  give  Pharao  time  to  repent. 

What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  that  God  is  long-suffering. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is  long- 
suffering? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  long-suffering,  we  mean 
that  He  awaits  patiently  the  sinner’s  return,  and  is 
always  ready  to  pardon  him. 

Name  the  ten  plagues. 

The*.ten  plagues  of  Israel  were  as  follows:  (1),  The 
changing.of  the  water  of  the  river  into  blood;  (2),  The 
plague  of  the  frogs;  (3),  The  plague  of  the  sciniphs; 
(4),  The  plague  of  the  flies;  (5),  A  murrain  upon  the 
cattle;  (6),  The  plague  of  the  boils:  (7),  The  plague  of 


118  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


thunder  and  lightning;  (8),  The  locusts;  (9),  The  hor¬ 
rible  darkness;  (10),  The  slaughter  of  the  first-born. 

Did  Pharao  heed  the  grace  of  God? 

No,  his  heart  remained  hardened. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  heed  the  call  of  God’s 
grace:  “  To-day  if  you  shall  hear  His  voice  harden  not 
your  hearts.” 

XXXIV.  TIIE  PASCHAL  LAMB,  AND  THE 
DEPARTURE  OF  THE  ISRAELITES  FROM 
EGYPT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  Moses  announced  to  Pharao 
the  death  of  all  the  first-born  of  the  Egyptians;  (2), 
That  the  Israelites  killed  the  paschal  lamb  and  de¬ 
parted  from  Egypt. 

Why  did  Moses  announce  the  slaughter  of  the  first¬ 
born  to  Pharao? 

He  announced  this  last  punishment  to  Pharao  be¬ 
cause  the  others  had  been  ineffectual. 

Why  had  God  a  right  to  order  the  killing  of  the 
first-born  ? 

God  had  a  right  to  order  the  killing  of  the  first-born 
because  all  creatures  belong  to  Him:  He  is  Lord  of  life 
and  death. 

Why  did  God  command  the  killing  of  the  first¬ 
born? 

God  commanded  the  killing  of  the  first-born  in 
order  to  punish  Pharao  and  his  people  for  their  dis¬ 
obedience  and  idolatry. 


The  Paschal  Lamb. 


119 


Was  the  killing’  of  the  first-born  a  severe  punish¬ 
ment? 

Yes,  because  the  first-born  was  the  representative 
of  the  family. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  punishment  show? 

This  punishment  shows  God’s  justice. 

How  does  it  show  God’s  justice? 

The  people  of  Israel  (the  chosen  people)  occupied 
among  the  nations  of  the  world  the  same  position  the 
first-born  held  in  the  family.  Pharao  oppressed  the 
chosen  people  among  the  nations,  so  God,  to  punish 
him,  commanded  the  killing  of  the  chosen  ones  of  the 
Egyptian  families. 

Who  inflicted  the  punishment? 

An  angel  inflicted  the  punishment. 

What  did  God  command  the  Israelites  concerning 
the  paschal  lamb  ? 

God  commanded  the  Israelites  to  kill,  in  every 
family,  a  lamb,  and  to  sprinkle  the  door-posts  with  its 
blood.  The  flesh  of  the  lamb,  with  unleavened  bread 
and  lettuce,  was  to  be  eaten  the  same  night. 

On  what  day  of  the  month  was  the  paschal  lamb 
to  be  slain? 

The  paschal  lamb  was  to  be  slain  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  the  first  month  of  the  ecclesiastical  year. 

What  kind  of  a  lamb  was  to  be  slain  ? 

A  lamb  without  blemish  was  to  be  slain. 

Why  were  the  Israelites  commanded  to  sprinkle  the 
door-posts  of  their  houses  with  the  blood  of  the  paschal 
lamb  ? 

The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  sprinkle  their 
door-posts  with  the  blood  of  the  paschal  lamb,  so  that 


120  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

the  destroying  angel,  on  seeing  the  blood,  would  know 
that  there  were  Israelites  within  and  spare  them. 

How  did  God  command  the  Israelites  to  eat  the 
paschal  lamb? 

God  said  to  the  Israelites:  “  Thus  you  shall  eat  it 
[the  paschal  lamb] :  you  shall  gird  your  reins,  and  you 
shall  have  shoes  on  your  feet,  holding  staves  in  your 
hands  and  you  shall  eat  in  haste;  for  it  is  the  Phase 
(that  is  passage)  of  the  Lord.” 

Of  whom  is  the  paschal  lamb  a  type? 

The  paschal  lamb  is  a  type  of  Christ. 

How  is  the  paschal  lamb  a  type  of  Christ  ? 

The  paschal  lamb  was  without  blemish,  Christ 
is  free  from  all  sin;  the  paschal  lamb  was  sacri¬ 
ficed,  Christ  sacrificed  Himself  on  the  cross;  the 
Israelites  were  forbidden  to  break  a  bone  of  the  paschal 
lamb,  not  a  bone  in  Christ’s  body  was  broken  on  the 
cross;  the  blood  of  the  paschal  lamb  saved  the  first¬ 
born  of  the  Israelites  from  death,  the  blood  of  Christ 
saves  us  from  eternal  death;  the  feast  of  the  Pass- 
over  was  celebrated  once  a  year,  the  sacrifice  of  the 
cross  is  renewed  daily  in  the  Mass;  the  paschal  lamb 
was  eaten  by  the  Israelites,  Christ  becomes  the  food  of 
our  soul  in  holy  communion. 

What  is  holy  communion? 

Holy  communion  is  the  receiving  of  the  Sacrament 
of  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

What  is  the  Holy  Eucharist  ? 

The  Holy  Eucharist  is  the  body,  blood,  soul,  and 
divinity  of  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  under  the  appear¬ 
ances  of  bread  and  wine. 


The  Passage  of  the  Bed  Sea.  121 

How  did  the  killing  of  the  first-born  of  the  Egyp¬ 
tians  affect  Pharao? 

He  allowed  the  Israelites  to  depart. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  assist  at  Mass  on 
Sundays  and  holydays  of  obligation;  (2),  To  receive 
the  Holy  Eucharist  frequently;  (3),  To  visit  Our  Lord 
in  the  Blessed  Sacrament  every  day. 


XXXV,  THE  PASSAGE  OF  THE  RED  SEA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  God  led  the  Israelites  through  the 
Red  Sea,  but  buried  Pharao  and  his  army  in  its  waters. 

How  did  God  lead  the  Israelites? 

God  went  before  the  Israelites,  and  showed  them 
the  way  as  a  cloud  during  the  day  and  a  pillar  of  fire 
at  night. 

What  impression  did  the  presence  of  the  cloud  and 
pillar  of  fire  produce  on  the  Israelites  ? 

It  made  them  feel  secure,  for  God  was  near  them. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  felt  secure  ? 

We  know  that  they  felt  secure,  because  they  would 
not  have  pitched  their  tents,  as  they  did,  on  the  shores 
of  the  Red  Sea,  had  they  feared  any  danger. 

What  happened  soon  after  they  had  pitched  their 
tents  ? 

Soon  after  they  had  pitched  their  tents,  Pharao 
with  his  whole  army  appeared  behind  them. 

Why  did  Pharao  pursue  the  Israelites  ? 

Pharao  pursued  the  Israelites  because  he  regretted 


122  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

having  allowed  them  to  depart,  and  wished  to  bring 
them  back  to  Egypt. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Israelites  feared  very 
much? 

We  know  that  the  Israelites  feared  very  much,  be¬ 
cause  they  called  on  God  for  aid. 

Had  they  reason  to  fear? 

Apparently  they  had  reason  to  fear,  for  they  were 
hemmed  in  between  Pharao  and  the  Red  Sea. 

Why  did  they  have  no  real  reason  to  fear? 

They  had  no  real  reason  to  fear  because  God  was 
with  them. 

How  did  God  help  the  Israelites? 

God  helped  them:  (1),  By  keeping  back  the  Egyp¬ 
tians;  (2),  By  leading  them  dry-shod  through  the  Red 
Sea;  (3),  By  destroying  the  army  of  Pharao. 

How  did  God  keep  back  the  Egyptians? 

God  kept  back  the  Egyptians  by  placing  the  cloud 
between  them  and  the  Israelites  so  that  they  could  not 
see  the  latter. 

How  did  God  lead  the  Israelites  through  the  Red 
Sea? 

Moses,  commanded  by  God,  stretched  his  rod  over 
the  sea;  then  the  waters  divided  and  stood  like  a  wall 
on  either  side,  and  the  Israelites  passed  over. 

How  did  God  destroy  Pharao  and  his  army  ? 

God  allowed  the  waters  to  come  together  while 
Pharao  and  his  army  were  passing  over,  as  they  had 
seen  the  Israelites  do. 

Which  attributes  of  God  does  this  event  show? 

It  shows  the  goodness  and  justice  of  God. 


123 


The  Passage  of  the  Red  Sea. 

How  does  it  show  the  goodness  of  God  ? 

It  shows  the  goodness  of  God  because  He  led  the 
Israelites  out  of  Egypt  and  protected  them  from  their 
enemies. 

How  does  it  show  the  justice  of  God? 

It  shows  the  justice  of  God  because  Pharao  had 
stubbornly  resisted  the  grace  of  God,  and  had  ordered 
the  first-born  of  the  Israelites  to  be  cast  into  the  river. 
God  inflicted  on  Pharao  the  same  punishment  he  had 
meted  out  to  the  first-born  of  the  Israelites. 

Of  what  is  the  passage  through  the  Red  Sea  a 
figure  ? 

The  passage  through  the  Red  Sea  is  a  figure  of 
Baptism. 

How  is  the  passage  through  the  Red  Sea  a  figure  of 
Baptism  ? 

The  Israelites  were  obliged  to  pass  through  the  Red 
Sea  to  enter  the  Promised  Land,  we  must  be  baptized 
to  enter  heaven;  the  passage  through  the  Red  Sea 
delivered  the  Israelites  from  the  bondage  of  Pharao, 
Baptism  frees  us  from  the  slavery  of  Satan. 

What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament  which  cleanses  us  from 
original  sin,  makes  us  Christians,  children  of  God,  and 
heirs  of  heaven. 

Why  is  Baptism  the  first  of  ail  the  sacraments? 

Baptism  is  the  first  of  all  the  sacraments  because 
without  it  we  cannot  receive  the  others. 

Why  is  it  the  most  necessary  of  all  the  sacraments  ? 

Baptism  is  the  most  necessary  of  all  the  sacraments, 
because  without  it  we  cannot  enter  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 


124  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  thank  God  frequently 
for  the  grace  of  Baptism. 


XXXVI.  MIRACLES  WROUGHT  IN  THE 

DESERT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  wrought  miracles  to  relieve  the 
distress  of  the  Israelites  in  the  desert. 

In  what  did  the  distress  of  the  Israelites  consist? 

They  had  nothing  to  eat  or  drink. 

How  did  the  Israelites  behave  under  these  condi¬ 
tions? 

They  began  to  murmur,  and  say:  “  Would  to  God 
we  had  died  by  the  hand  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of 

•r 

Egypt,  when  we  sat  over  the  flesh  pots  and  ate  bread 
to  the  full.” 

What  does  the  conduct  of  the  Israelites  show? 

It  shows  that  they  were  an  ungrateful  and  sensual 
people. 

How  does  it  show  that  they  were  ungrateful? 

It  shows  that  they  were  ungrateful,  because  as  soon 
as  they  began  to  sulTer  a  little,  they  lost  confidence  in 
God,  and  forgot  all  His  benefits. 

When  do  we  sin  by  lack  of  confidence  in  God? 

We  sin  by  lack  of  confidence  in  God  as  often  as  we 
do  not  firmly  hope  to  obtain  what  we  have  reason  to 
believe  God  will  give  us. 

How  does  the  conduct  of  the  Israelites  show  that 
they  were  a  sensual  people? 

The  conduct  of  the  Israelites  shows  that  they  were 


Miracles  Wrought  in  the  Desert.  125 

a  sensual  people,  because  they  preferred  food  and  drink 
in  Egyptian  bondage  to  freedom. 

How  did  God  come  to  the  aid  of  the  Israelites? 

God  provided,  in  a  most  wonderful  manner,  food 
and  drink  for  them. 

How  did  God  provide  meat  for  them? 

God  caused  a  large  number  of  quails  to  fly  into  the 
camp  of  the  Israelites. 

How  did  God  provide  bread  for  them? 

God  caused  a  delicious  white  bread,  called  manna,  to 
fall  from  heaven  among  the  Israelites. 

How  long  did  God  give  them  this  food? 

God  gave  the  Israelites  this  food  forty  years. 

How  did  He  provide  water  for  them? 

God  commanded  Moses  to  strike  a  rock  with  his  rod, 
and  at  once  a  stream  of  pure  water  burst  forth. 

Of  what  was  the  manna  a  figure  ? 

The  manna  was  a  figure  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

Why  was  the  manna  a  figure  of  the  Blessed  Sacra¬ 
ment? 

The  manna  came  from  heaven,  Christ  in  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  comes  down  from  heaven;  the 
manna  served  as  food  for  the  Israelites  in  their  journey 
through  the  desert,  the  Holy  Eucharist  is  the  food  of 
our  soul  in  our  journey  through  life;  the  manna  was 
bread,  in  the  Holy  Eucharist  Christ  is  present  under 
the  appearances  of  bread. 

Of  what  was  the  miraculous  rock  a  figure? 

The  rock  was  a  figure  of  Christ,  whence  flow  the 
streams  of  grace  in  the  seven  sacraments. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  control  our 


126  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


appetite  in  eating  and  drinking;  (2),  To  receive 
frequently  the  Sacraments  of  Penance  and  Holy 
Eucharist. 


XXXVII.  GOD  GIVES  THE  TEX  COMMAND¬ 
MENTS  OX  MOUXT  SIXAI. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  God  prepared  the  Israelites  for  the 
proclamation  of  His  Commandments,  and  what  they 
were. 

How  did  God  prepare  the  Israelites  for  the  procla¬ 
mation  of  His  Commandments? 

God  prepared  them:  (1),  By  renewing  the  covenant 
that  He  had  made  with  Abraham;  (2),  By  commanding 
the  Israelites  to  purify  themselves  exteriorly  and  to 
sanctify  themselves  interiorly. 

How  did  God  renew  His  covenant  with  the  Israel¬ 
ites? 

God  spoke  to  them  through  Moses  and  said:  “If 
therefore  you  will  hear  My  voice,  and  keep  My  cove¬ 
nant,  you  shall  be  My  peculiar  possession  above  all 
peoples.” 

Did  the  Israelites  promise  fidelity  and  obedience  to 
God? 

Yes,  they  promised  obedience  and  fidelity  to  God 
when  they  said:  “All  that  the  Lord  hath  spoken,  we 
will  do.” 

How  were  they  to  purify  themselves  exteriorly? 

They  were  to  purify  themselves  exteriorly  by  wash¬ 
ing  their  clothes. 


The  Ten  Commandments . 


127 


How  were  they  to  sanctify  themselves  interiorly? 

They  were  to  sanctify  themselves  interiorly  by 
prayer  and  penance. 

When  did  God  give  His  Commandments? 

God  gave  His  Commandments  on  the  third  day  of 
the  third  month. 

Where  did  He  give  His  Commandments  ? 

God  gave  His  Commandments  on  Mount  Sinai. 

What  happened  just  before  God  gave  /the  Com¬ 
mandments  ? 

The  mountain  was  covered  with  a  thick  cloud: 
smoke  and  tire  were  seen  to  ascend,  while  the  mountain 
itself  rocked  and  trembled.  Then,  with  thunder  and 
lightning  playing  around  the  top  of  the  mountain,  a 
trumpet  was  heard. 

What  did  these  signs  signify? 

The  sound  of  the  trumpet  and  the  trembling  of  the 
mountain  signified  the  power  and  majesty  of  God;  the 
fire  was  a  sign  of  His  justice. 

What  effect  did  these  signs  produce  upon  the 
Israelites  ? 

The  Israelites  feared  very  much. 

How  many  Commandments  did  God  give? 

God  gave  ten  Commandments. 

To  whom  do  the  first  three  Commandments  refer 
directly  ? 

The  first  three  Commandments  refer  directly  to 
God. 

What  do  the  first  three  Commandments  command? 

They  command  us:  (1),  To  adore  the  one  true 
God;  (2),  To  respect  and  reverence  His  name;  (3),  To 
keep  His  day  holy. 


128  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

To  whom  do  the  remaining  seven  refer  directly? 

They  refer  directly  to  our  fellow-men. 

What  does  the  fourth  command? 

The  fourth  commands  us  to  obey  God's  representa¬ 
tives. 

What  does  the  fifth  command? 

The  fifth  commands  us  not  to  destroy  human  life. 

What  does  the  sixth  command? 

The  sixth  commands  us  to  keep  pure  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed. 

What  does  the  seventh  command  ? 

The  seventh  commands  us  to  respect  the  rights  of 
others. 

What  does  the  eighth  command? 

The  eighth  commands  us  to  respect  our  neighbor’s 
good  name. 

What  is  the  aim  of  the  ten  Commandments? 

The  aim  of  the  ten  Commandments  is  to  sanctify 
man's  private  and  public  life. 

Are  we,  as  well  as  the  Israelites,  obliged  to  keep 
the  Commandments? 

Yes,  we  too  are  obliged  to  keep  the  Commandments. 

Why  are  we  obliged  to  keep  the  Commandments? 

We  are  obliged  to  keep  the  Commandments  because 
Christ  did  not  destroy  the  Old  Law,  but  perfected  it. 

Of  what  does  the  proclamation  of  the  ten  Com¬ 
mandments  remind  us? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
up>on  the  Apostles. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  keep  all  the  Command¬ 
ments. 


The  Golden  Calf. 


129 


XXXVIII.  THE  GOLDEN  CALF. 

% 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  Israelites,  during  the  absence  of 
Moses  on  Mount  Sinai,  adored  a  golden  calf. 

Why  did  Moses  go  up  again  to  Mount  Sinai  ? 

Moses  went  up  again  to  Mount  Sinai,  because  God 
commanded  him. 

Why  did  God  command  Moses  to  go  up  again  to 
Mount  Sinai? 

God  wished  to  instruct  Moses  concerning  the  cere¬ 
monial  of  divine  worship,  and  to  give  him  the  two 
tables  of  stone  on  which  were  inscribed  the  ten  Com¬ 
mandments. 

Of  what  were  the  tables  of  stone  to  remind  the 
Israelites  ? 

The  tables  of  stone  were  to  remind  the  Israelites  of 
the  unchangeableness  of  the  ten  Commandments. 

What  did  the  Israelites  do  during  Moses’  absence  ? 

During  Moses’  absence  they  induced  Aaron  to  make 
a  golden  calf,  which  they  adored. 

What  sin  did  Aaron  commit? 

Aaron  was  accessory  to  the  sin  of  the  Israelites;  he 
sinned  by  consent. 

What  sin  did  the  Israelites  commit? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  idolatry. 

How  is  the  sin  of  idolatry  committed  ? 

Idolatry  is  committed  by  paying  divine  worship  to 
a  creature. 

Which  Commandment  did  the  Israelites  break  by 
adoring  the  golden  calf? 

By  adoring  the  golden  calf,  they  broke  the  first 
Commandment. 


130  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Israelites  committed  a 
mortal  sin? 

We  know  that  the  Israelites  committed  a  mortal  sin, 
because  the  three  conditions  necessary  to  make  a  sin 
mortal  were  fulfilled:  a  grievous  matter,  sufficient  re¬ 
flection,  and  full  consent  of  the  will. 

What  aggravated  the  sin  of  the  Israelites? 

Two  things  especially  aggravated  the  sin  of  the 
Israelites:  their  ingratitude,  and  their  failure  to  keep 
the  covenant  with  God. 

What  did  Moses  do  when  he  saw  the  sin  of  the 
people? 

When  Moses  saw  the  sin  of  the  people  he  dashed 
the  tables  of  stone  to  the  ground,  rebuked  Aaron, 
destroyed  the  idol,  and  had  the  idolaters  put  to  death. 

Why  did  Moses  inflict  such  a  severe  punishment? 

Moses  inflicted  such  a  severe  punishment:  (1),  Be¬ 
cause  he  was  enraged  at  the  sin  of  his  people;  (2),  To 
make  them  realize  the  enormity  of  their  infidelity  to 
God. 

Was  Moses’  anger  sinful? 

No,  Moses’  anger  was  not  sinful,  because  it  was 
actuated  by  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  salva¬ 
tion  of  his  people. 

How  did  Moses  show  his  love  for  the  people? 

Moses  showed  his  love  for  the  people  by  praying  to 
God  for  them. 

Did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  Moses  ? 

Yes,  God  heard  the  prayer  of  Moses,  for  He  par¬ 
doned  the  Israelites. 


The  Erection  of  the  Tabernacle.  131 

How  did  God  show  that  He  pardoned  the  Israelites  ? 

God  showed  that  He  pardoned  the  Israelites  by  giv¬ 
ing  the  ten  Commandments  a  second  time  to  Moses  on 
tables  of  stone. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  keep  faithfully  the 
baptismal  vows  that  we  renewed  at  our  first  holy  com¬ 
munion. 

XXXIX.  THE  ERECTION  OF  THE  TABERNACLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Moses  erected  the  tabernacle  and 
adorned  it. 

Who  commanded  Moses  to  build  the  tabernacle? 

God  commanded  him. 

When  did  God  command  Moses  to  build  the  taber¬ 
nacle  ? 

God  commanded  Moses  to  build  the  tabernacle  the 
first  time  he  remained  for  forty  days  on  Mount  Sinai. 

Why  did  God  command  Moses  to  build  the  taber¬ 
nacle  ? 

God  commanded  Moses  to  build  the  tabernacle  so 
that  the  Israelites  might  have  a  place  of  worship. 

Of  what  was  the  tabernacle  built? 

The  tabernacle  was  built  of  the  most  precious  wood. 

Was  it  stationary? 

No,  it  was  portable;  it  could  be  carried  from  place 
to  place. 

Why  was  it  necessary  for  the  Israelites  to  have  a 
portable  tabernacle? 

It  was  necessary  to  have  a  portable  tabernacle 
because  the  Israelites  were  continually  moving  from 
place  to  place  in  their  journey  through  the  desert. 


132  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

How  large  was  the  tabernacle  ? 

The  tabernacle  was  thirty  cubits  long,  ten  high,  and 
ten  wide. 

How  was  it  divided? 

It  was  divided  into  two  parts,  the  sanctuary  and  the 
holy  of  holies. 

What  did  the  holy  of  holies  contain  ? 

The  holy  of  holies  contained  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
nant. 

What  did  the  ark  of  the  covenant  contain? 

The  ark  of  the  covenant  contained:  (1),  The  tables 
of  the  Law;  (2),  A  vase  filled  with  manna;  (3),  The  rod 
of  Aaron. 

Of  what  did  the  tables  of  the  Law  remind  the 
Israelites? 

The  tables  of  the  Law  reminded  the  Israelites  of 
the  covenant  they  had  made  with  God. 

Of  what  did  the  manna  and  the  rod  of  Aaron  re¬ 
mind  them? 

The  manna  and  the  rod  of  Aaron  reminded  them  of 
God’s  providence. 

How  was  the  ark  covered? 

The  ark  was  covered  with  a  lid  of  purest  gold,  and 
on  either  side  knelt  a  cherubim. 

Why  were  the  cherubim  placed  on  the  ark? 

The  cherubim  were  placed  on  the  ark  to  remind  the 
people  of  the  presence  of  God. 

Who  was  allowed  to  enter  the  holy  of  holies? 

Only  the  high-priest  was  allowed  to  enter  the  holy 
of  holies. 

What  was  in  the  sanctuary  ? 

In  the  sanctuary  was:  (1),  A  table  on  which  were 


The  Erection  of  the  Tabernacle.  133 

placed  the  loaves  of  .  proposition;  (2),  The  seven- 
branched  candlestick;  (3),  The  altar  of  incense. 

What  did  the  loaves  of  proposition  signify? 

The  loaves  of  proposition  signified  the  thanksgiving 
offering  of  the  twelve  tribes. 

What  did  the  seven-branched  candlestick  signify? 

The  seven-branched  candlestick  signified  the  many 
graces  that  God  had  bestowed  on  the  children  of  Israel. 

What  did  the  altar  of  incense  signify? 

The  altar  of  incense  signified  the  prayers  of  the 
people  that  ascended  to  God. 

Who  was  allowed  to  enter  the  sanctuary? 

Only  the  priests  were  allowed  to  enter  the  sanctuary. 

Of  what  was  the  tabernacle  a  figure? 

The  tabernacle  was  a  figure  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

How  was  the  tabernacle  a  figure  of  the  Church? 

God  had  the  tabernacle  built  by  Moses,  the  Church 
was  founded  by  Christ;  there  was  only  one  tabernacle, 
there  is  but  one  true  Church;  God  showered  His  graces 
on  the  Israelites  while  they  prayed  in  the  tabernacle, 
He  bestows  His  graces  on  us  through  the  Church’s  ad¬ 
ministration  of  the  sacraments. 

What  did  Moses  erect  around  the  tabernacle  ? 

Moses  erected  a  court,  or  guard,  around  the  taber¬ 
nacle. 

What  did  Moses  place  in  the  court  ? 

In  the  court  he  placed  the  altar  of  holocausts  and  a 
brazen  la-ver  for  the  priests. 

For  whom  was  the  court? 

The  court  was  for  the  people. 


134  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


For  what  was  the  altar  of  holocausts  used? 

The  altar  of  holocausts  was  used  for  the  daily  sacri¬ 
fices. 

For  what  was  the  laver  used? 

The  laver  was  used  for  the  ablutions  of  the  priests. 

Who  consecrated  the  tabernacle? 

Moses  consecrated  the  tabernacle. 

With  what  did  he  consecrate  it? 

Moses  consecrated  the  tabernacle  with  holy  oil. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  enter  the  house  of  God 
with  reverence  and  devotion. 


XL.  LAWS  REGULATING  DIVINE  WORSHIP. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  gave  certain  laws  for  the  regu¬ 
lation  of  divine  worship. 

What  part  did  Moses  take  in  regulating  divine 
worship? 

Moses  (1),  Established  sacrifices;  (2),  Appointed 
feasts;  and  (3),  Consecrated  high  priests  and  priests. 

What  is  a  sacrifice? 

A  sacrifice  is  the  destruction  of  an  offering  by  a 
priest  to  God  alone  to  acknowledge  that  He  is  the  Lord 
of  all  things. 

Why  is  sacrifice  the  highest  form  of  divine  wor¬ 
ship? 

Sacrifice  is  the  highest  form  of  divine  worship  be¬ 
cause  by  it  we  pay  God  the  highest  possible  honor. 


Laws  Regulating  Divine  Worship.  135 

How  do  we  pay  God  the  highest  honor  by  sacri¬ 
fice? 

We  pay  God  the  highest  honor  hy  sacrifice  because 
by  destroying  the  offering  we  acknowledge  that  God  is 
the  Lord  of  life  and  death. 

How  many  kinds  of  sacrifices  did  Moses  institute  ? 

Moses  instituted  two  kinds  of  sacrifices:  bloody  and 
unbloody. 

Of  what  did  the  bloody  sacrifices  consist? 

The  bloody  sacrifices  consisted  of  sheep,  goats, 
oxen,  etc. 

Why  were  the  bloody  sacrifices  offered  up? 

The  bloody  sacrifices  were  offered  up:  (1),  To 
adore  God  (the  holocaust);  (2),  To  ask  His  pardon;  (3), 
To  thank  Him;  (4)^  To  obtain  favors. 

What  was  a  holocaust? 

A  holocaust  was  a  sacrifice  in  which  every  part  of 
the  victim  was  consumed  by  fire. 

How  was  the  sacrifice  of  atonement  offered? 

In  the  sacrifice  of  atonement  the  fat  of  the  animal 
was  burnt,  and  the  rest  of  the  meat  was  given  to  the 
priest. 

How  were  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving  and  peti¬ 
tion  offered? 

In  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving  and  petition  the 
fat  of  the  animal  was  burnt,  and  the  rest  of  the  meat 
was  divided  between  the  priest  and  the  people. 

How  many  kinds  of  unbloody  sacrifices  were  there  ? 

There  were  two  kinds  of  unbloody  sacrifices:  (1), 
Offerings  of  food;  (2),  Offerings  of  drink. 


136  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel, 

Of  what  did  the  food  offerings  consist? 

The  food  offerings  consisted  of  unleavened  bread 
and  meal. 

How  were  the  food  offerings  made? 

A  part  of  the  food  was  burnt,  and  the  rest  was 
given  to  the  priest. 

Of  what  did  the  drink  offerings  consist? 

The  drink  offerings  consisted  of  wine. 

How  was  the  drink  offering  made? 

The  drink  offering  was  made  by  pouring  out  the 
wine  at  the  foot  of  the  altar. 

Of  what  were  the  sacrifices  of  the  Old  Law  a  type  ? 

The  bloody  sacrifices  were  a  type  of  the  sacrifice 
on  the  cross,  the  unbloody  sacrifices  were  a  type  of  the 
Mass. 

Did  the  sacrifices  of  the  Old  Law  produce  of  them¬ 
selves  any  grace? 

Xo,  the  sacrifices  of  the  Old  Law  had  of  themselves 
only  the  effect  of  making  the  one  who  offered  them 
clean  in  the  eyes  of  the  Law,  and  in  case  that  he  who 
offered  the  sacrifice  believed  in  God,  hoped  in  the 
Messias,  and  was  truly  sorry  for  his  sins,  he  obtained 
pardon  in  view  of  the  merits  of  the  coming  Redeemer. 

What  does  the  Church  -command  in  her  second 
commandment  ? 

In  her  second  commandment  the  Church  commands 
us  to  fast  and  abstain  on  the  days  appointed. 

How  many  feasts  did  Moses  introduce? 

Moses  introduced:  (1),  The  feast  of  the  Pasch  or 
Passover;  (2),  Pentecost;  (3),  The  feast  of  the  Taber¬ 
nacles;  (4),  A  day  of  atonement. 


Laws  Regulating  Divine  Worship.  137 

Of  what  was  the  Pasch  to  remind  the  people  ? 

The  Pasch  was  to  remind  the  people  of  their  free¬ 
dom  from  the  bondage  of  Egypt. 

Of  what  was  the  Jewish  Passover  a  figure? 

The  J ewish  Passover  was  a  figure  of  our  Easter. 

Of  what  was  Pentecost  to  remind  the  people? 

Pentecost  was  to  remind  them  of  the  Law  given  on 
Mount  Sinai. 

Of  what  was  the  Jewish  Pentecost  a  figure? 

The  Jewish  Pentecost  was  a  figure  of  the  Christian 
Pentecost. 

Of  what  was  the  feast  of  the  Tabernacles  to  remind 
the  people? 

The  feast  of  the  Tabernacles  was  to  remind  the 
people  of  the  benefits  which  God  had  bestowed  on 
them  during  their  journey  through  the  desert. 

Of  what  was  the  feast  of  the  Tabernacles  a  figure? 

The  feast  of  the  Tabernacles  was  a.  figure  of  our 
Corpus  Christi. 

What  were  the  Israelites  obliged  to  do  on  the  day 
of  atonement? 

On  the  day  of  atonement  the  Israelites  were  obliged 
to  fast,  pray,  and  to  do  penance  for  their  sins  by  sacri¬ 
ficing  the  victim  of  atonement. 

Did  the  sacrifice  of  atonement  obtain  forgiveness 
of  sin? 

No,  of  itself  the  sacrifice  of  atonement  could  not 
obtain  forgiveness  of  sin;  but  if  the  one  who  offered 
the  sacrifice  believed  in  God  and  the  coming  Messias, 
and  was  truly  repentant  of  his  sins,  in  view  of  the 
merits  of  the  coming  Redeemer,  he  could  obtain  pardon 
for  his  sins. 


138  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Of  what  does  the  day  of  atonement  remind  us? 

The  day  of  atonement  reminds  us  of  Good  Friday. 

What  does  the  Church  command  in  her  first  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

In  her  first  commandment  the  Church  commands  us 
to  hear  Mass  on  Sundays  and  holydays  of  obligation. 

Whom  did  Moses  consecrate  high-priest? 

Moses  consecrated  Aaron  high-priest. 

How  did  he  consecrate  Aaron? 

He  purified  Aaron  with  water,  and  after  many 
.  other  ceremonies  finally  poured  oil  upon  his  head. 

What  were  the  rights  of  the  high-priest? 

The  high-priest  enjoyed  all  the  rights  of  the  priest; 
moreover  he  was  entitled  to  enter  the  holy  of  holies 
once  a  year,  anointed  the  kings,  and  on  great  feast-days 
blessed  the  people. 

Whom  did  Moses  ordain  priests? 

Moses  ordained  the  sons  of  Aaron  priests. 

How  did  he  ordain  them? 

He  ordained  them  by  purifying  them  with  water, 
and  anointing  them. 

What  were  the  rights  of  the  priests  ? 

The  priests  offered  sacrifice  and  prayed  for  the  peo¬ 
ple;  they  were  authorized  to  light  the  seven-branched 
candlestick,  prepare  and  partake  of  the  loaves  of 
proposition,  and  to  decide  cases  of  law. 

Whom  did  Moses  ordain  Levites? 

Moses  ordained  the  members  of  the  tribe  of  Levi, 
Levites. 

What  were  the  duties  of  the  Levites? 

The  Levites  assisted  the  priests  at  the  sacrifice,  sang 


Laws  Regulating  Divine  Worship.  139 

at  divine  service,  and  were  entrusted  with  the  care  of 
the  tabernacle. 

Of  what  was  the  priesthood  of  the  Old  Law  a 
figure  ? 

The  priesthood  of  the  Old  Law  was  a  figure  of  the 
priesthood  of  the  New  Law. 

How  was  the  priesthood  of  the  Old  Law  a  figure  of 
the  priesthood  of  the  New  Law? 

The  priesthood  of  the  Old  Law  had  three  degrees, 
so  has  the  priesthood  of  the  New  Law:  bishops,  priests, 
and  ministers;  there  was  only  one  high-priest,  there  is 
only  one  visible  head  of  the  Church,  the  Pope;  the 
priests  of  the  Old  Law  offered  bloody  sacrifices,  the 
priests  of  the  New  Law  offer  the  unbloody  sacrifice  of 
the  Mass. 

Why  did  Christ  appoint  a  visible  head  over  His 
Church  ? 

Christ  appointed  a  visible  head  over  His  Church, 
because  the  Church  being  visible  must  have  a  visible 
head. 

Who  are  the  successors  of  St.  Peter  as  visible  head 
of  the  Church? 

The  Popes,  the  bishops  of  Rome,  are  the  successors 
of  St.  Peter. 

Who  are  the  successors  of  all  the  other  Apostles  ? 

The  successors  of  all  the  other  Apostles  are  the 
bishops  in  union  with  the  Pope. 

Who  assist  the  bishops  in  the  administration  of 
their  office? 

The  priests  assist  the  bishops  in  the  administration 
of  their  office. 


140  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  assist  with  devo¬ 
tion  at  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass;  (2),  To  respect 
the  priests  of  the  Church  of  God. 

XLI.  THE  SPIES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  Israelites  sent  spies  into^the  land 
of  Chanaan. 

Why  did  Moses  send  the  spies  into  the  land  of 
Chanaan? 

Moses  sent  the  spies  to  gain  information  of  the 
condition  of  Chanaan  and  its  inhabitants. 

How  long  were  the  spies  gone? 

They  were  gone  forty  days. 

What  did  they  report  on  their  return? 

They  reported  that  the  land  of  Chanaan  was  very 
fertile,  but  that  its  inhabitants  were  superior  in 
strength  to  the  Israelites,  and  that  their  cities  were 
well  fortified. 

Was  their  report  true? 

It  was  true  that  the  land  was  fertile,  but  the 
strength  of  the  inhabitants  was  exaggerated. 

What  sin  did  the  spies  commit? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  lying. 

What  impression  did  the  report  of  the  spies  make 
upon  the  people? 

The  people  began  to  curse  and  murmur  against 
Moses  and  Aaron,  and  threatened  to  kill  Josue  and 
Caleb,  two  of  the  spies  who  remained  faithful  to 
Moses. 


The  Spies. 


141 


Who  incited  the  people  to  rebel  against  Moses  ? 

The  spies  incited  them. 

Did  all  the  spies  incite  the  people  against  Moses  ? 

No,  Josue  and  Caleb  remained  faithful  to  Moses, 
and  tried  to  dissuade  the  people  from  rebellion. 

What  sins  did  the  Israelites  commit  on  this  occa¬ 
sion? 

They  murmured  against  God,  cursed,  rebelled 
against  lawful  authority,  and  were  guilty  of  murder  in 
thought. 

What  does  “  to  curse  ”  mean  ? 

To  curse  means  to  wish  another  evil  and  is  usually 
connected  with  abuse  of  the  name  of  God. 

How  do  we  sin  against  lawful  authority  ? 

We  sin  against  lawful  authority:  (1),  By  criticising 
and  speaking  disrespectfully  of  those  in  authority;  (2), 
By  resisting  and  rebelling  against  authority. 

How  do  we  sin  against  the  life  of  our  neighbor? 

We  sin  against  the  life  of  our  neighbor:  (1)7  By 
taking  his  life  unjustly,  by  striking  or  injuring  him; 
(2),  By  embittering  or  shortening  his  life  by  cruel 
treatment. 

Does  the  fifth  Commandment  forbid  only  the  act  of 
murder  ? 

No,  it  also  forbids  whatever  may  lead  to  murder, 
anger,  hatred,  quarrelling^  revenge,  and  had  example. 

Which  attributes  of  God  does  this  lesson  show? 

It  shows  God’s  justice  and  mercy. 

How  does  it  show  that  God  is  just? 

It  shows  that  God  is  just  because  He  punished  the 
spies  with  sudden  death. 

How  does  it  show  that  God  is  merciful? 

It  shows  that  God  is  merciful,  because  He  heard 


142  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


the  prayer  of  Moses  and  forgave  the  sins  of  the 
Israelites. 

Did  God  also  remit  the  temporal  punishment? 

No,  in  punishment  for  their  sins  God  decreed  that 
none  of  the  adults  should  enter  the  Promised  Land. 

Is  all  the  temporal  punishment  due  to  sin  always 
remitted  in  the  Sacrament  of  Penance? 

No,  all  the  temporal  punishment  due  to  sin  is  not 
always  remitted  in  the  Sacrament  of  Penance. 

How  may  the  temporal  punishment  due  to  sin  be 
remitted  ? 

The  temporal  punishment  due  to  sin  may  be  re¬ 
mitted  by  indulgences,  by  prayer,  fasting,  and  other 
good  works. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  speak  the  name  of  God 
with  reverence,  to  abstain  from  lying  and  profane 
words. 


XLII.  THE  REVOLT  OF  CORE  AND  HIS 

PUNISHMENT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  punished  Core,  Dathan  and 
Abiron  for  their  rebellion  against  Moses,  and  confirmed 
the  priesthood  of  Aaron  in  a  miraculous  manner. 

What  sin  did  Core,  Dathan,  and  Abiron  commit? 

They  rebelled  against  lawful  authority. 

In  what  did  their  rebellion  consist  ? 

They  refused  to  acknowledge  the  leadership  of 
Moses  and  the  priesthood  of  Aaron. 


The  Doubt  of  Moses. — The  Brazen  Serjpent.  143 

Why  did  Christ  institute  the  priesthood  ? 

Christ  instituted  the  priesthood  in  order  to  apply 
to  men’s  souls  the  fruits  of  His  Redemption. 

Which  are  the  principal  powers  of  a  priest  ? 

The  principal  powers  of  a  priest  are:  (1),  To  offer 
the  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass;  (2)5  To  forgive  sins. 

Do  priests  exercise  these  powers  in  their  own  name? 

No,  they  exercise  these  powers  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

Does  the  worthiness  or  unworthiness  of  priests 
affect  the  graces  of  the  Mass  and  the  sacraments  ? 

No,  because  the  virtue  of  the  Mass  and  the  sacra¬ 
ments  is  not  derived  from  the  merits  of  the  priest,  but 
from  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ. 

How  did  God  punish  the  rebels? 

He  punished  them  with  sudden  death. 

How  did  God  confirm  the  priesthood  of  Aaron  ? 

God  commanded  Moses  to  have  a  prince  of  each 
tribe  place  a  rod  in  the  tabernacle;  and  he  whose  rod 
would  blossom  should  be  the  chosen  one  of  God.  Only 
Aaron’s  rod  blossomed. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  respect  and  obey  tem¬ 
poral  and  spiritual  authority. 


XLIII.  THE  DOUBT  OF  MOSES.— THE  BRAZEN 

SERPENT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  punished  Moses  for  doubting 
His  mercy,  and  how  the  Israelites  who  were  stung  by 
poisonous  serpents  were  healed. 


144  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  did  God  command  Moses? 

God  commanded  Moses  to  take  the  rod  of  Aaron 
from  the  tabernacle,  and  to  strike  the  rock  for  water. 

Did  Moses  obey  the  command  of  God? 

Yes,  but  he  doubted  whether  God  would  give  water 
to  the  ungrateful  Israelites. 

What  did  Moses  say? 

Moses  said:  “  Hear,  ye  rebellious  and  incredulous: 
Can  we  bring  you  forth  water  out  of  this  rock?  ” 

Which  attribute  of  God  did  Moses  doubt? 

Moses  doubted  God’s  mercy. 

Was  this  doubt  of  Moses  a  mortal  sin? 

No,  it  was  only  a  venial  sin. 

Why  was  it  only  a  venial  sin  ? 

It  was  only  a  venial  sin  because  it  was  not  com¬ 
mitted  with  sufficient  reflection. 

Did  God  punish  Moses  even  for  this  venial  sin? 

Yes,  Moses  was  forbidden  to  enter  the  Promised 
Land. 

Should  we  avoid  only  mortal  sins? 

No,  we  should  also  avoid  venial  sins. 

Why  should  we  avoid  venial  sins? 

We  should  avoid  venial  sins:  (1),  Because  they  of¬ 
fend  God;  (2),  They  weaken  our  power  to  resist  tempta¬ 
tion;  (3),  Because  they  deserve  temporal  punishment; 
(4),  Because  they  often  lead  to  mortal  sin. 

How  did  Moses  accept  his  punishment? 

Moses  accepted  his  punishment  humbly,  without  a 
murmur. 

What  sin  did  the  Israelites  commit  on  this  occa¬ 
sion? 

The  Israelites  became  tired  of  their  wandering 
through  the  desert  and  began  to  murmur  against  God. 


The  Doubt  of  Moses.— The  Brazen  Serpent.  145 

How  did  God  punish  them? 

God  punished  them  by  sending  poisonous  serpents 
among  them. 

Was  their  sting  fatal? 

Yes,  and  many  Israelites  were  stung  by  them. 

To  whom  did  the  Israelites  appeal  in  their  neces¬ 
sity? 

They  appealed  to  Moses  to  intercede  for  them  with 
almighty  God. 

Are  we  allowed  to  honor  and  pray  to  the  saints  ? 

Yes,  for  the  Church  teaches  us  that  it  is  proper  and 
wholesome  to  honor  and  pray  to  the  saints.  (Feast  of 
All  Saints.) 

What  is  the  difference  between  the  honor  which  we 
pay  to  God  and  that  which  we  pay  to  the  saints? 

(1),  We  honor  God  because  He  is  our  Lord  and 
Master,  we  honor  the  saints  because  they  are  the 
friends  of  our  Lord  and  Master;  (2),  We  honor  God  on 
account  of  Himself,  we  honor  the  saints  on  account  of 
the  graces  they  have  received  from  God. 

How  did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  Moses  ? 

God  said  to  Moses:  “  Make  a  brazen  serpent,  and 
set  it  up  for  a  sign:  whosoever  being  struck  shall  look 
on  it,  shall  live.” 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  show? 

It  shows  His  mercy. 

Of  what  is  the  brazen  serpent  a  figure  ? 

The  brazen  serpent  is  a  figure  of  Christ  on  the 
cross. 

Why  is  the  brazen  serpent  a  figure  of  Christ  on  the 
cross  ? 

The  brazen  serpent  was  set  up  for  the  stricken  peo¬ 
ple  of  Israel,  Christ  was  raised  on  the  cross  for  the  sin- 


146  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

stricken  world;  all  the  Israelites  who  looked  upon  the 
brazen  serpent  were  cured  of  the  sting  of  the  poisonous 
serpents;  all  who  look  with  lively  faith  upon  the  cross 
of  Christ  are  cured  of  the  sting  of  Satan. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  avoid  as  much  as  pos¬ 
sible  all  deliberate  venial  sins. 


XLIV.  BALAAM’S  PROPHECY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Balaam  prophesied  many  things  of 
the  Redeemer. 

Who  was  Balaam  ? 

Balaam  was  a  Moabite  soothsayer  who  acknowl¬ 
edged  the  one  true  God. 

Where  did  the  Moabites  live? 

The  Moabites  lived  east  of  the  Jordan. 

Why  did  Balac,  the  king  of  the  Moabites,  send  for 
Balaam  ? 

Balac,  the  king  of  the  Moabites,  sent  for  Balaam  to 
curse  the  Israelites;  but  instead  of  cursing  them,  God 
impelled  him  to  bless  them. 

What  did  Balaam  prophesy  concerning  the  Re¬ 
deemer? 

Balaam  prophesied:  (1),  That  the  Redeemer  would 
come,  but  after  a  long  time;  (2),  That  He  would  spring 
from  the  people  of  Israel;  (3),  That  He  would  be  a 
great  light;  (4),  That  He  would  found  a  kingdom  over 
which  He  would  rule. 

Repeat  the  words  of  Balaam. 

The  following  were  the  words  of  Balaam:  “  I  shall 


The  Parting  Advice  and  Death  of  Moses.  147 

see  Him,  but  not  now.  I  shall  behold  Him,  but  not 
near.  A  star  shall  rise  out  of  Jacob,  and  a  sceptre 
shall  spring  up  from  Israel;  and  shall  strike  the  chiefs 
of  Moab,  and  shall  waste  the  children  of  Seth.” 

How  was  this  prophecy  fulfilled? 

This  prophecy  was  fulfilled  after  fourteen  hundred 
years,,  when  Jesus  was  born  (according  to  the  flesh)  of 
a  descendant  of  Jacob,  became  the  light  of  the  world 
and  founded  His  Church,  which  He  will  rule  till  the 
end  of  time. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  abstain  from  cursing 
others. 


XLV.  THE  PARTING  ADVICE  AND  DEATH 

OF  MOSES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Moses  appointed  Josue  his  successor, 
and  after  having  given  his  people  some  parting  advice 
and  taken  leave  of  them,  withdrew  to  Mount  Nebo, 
where  he  died. 

Who  commanded  Moses  to  make  Josue  his  suc¬ 
cessor? 

God  commanded  him. 

How  did  God  command  him? 

God  said  to  Moses:  “  Take  Josue  the  son  of  Nun, 
a  man  in  whom  is  the  Spirit,  and  put  thy  hand  upon 
him.” 

Where  did  Moses  fulfil  God’s  command? 

Moses  fulfilled  the  command  of  God  in  the  presence 
of  all  the  people. 


148  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

Why  did  he  do  this  in  the  presence  of  all  the 
people? 

Moses  appointed  Josue  in  the  presence  of  the  peo¬ 
ple  in  order  that  they  might  know  that  they  were  to 
obey  Josue  after  his  own  departure. 

How  did  Moses  bid  farewell  to  the  people? 

Moses  hade  farewell  to  the  people  of  Israel  in  a 
sermon. 

What  did  Moses’  farewell  sermon  contain? 

It  contained:  (1),  An  admonition;  (2),  A  promise; 
(3),  A  prophecy. 

What  did  Moses  admonish  the  Israelites? 

Moses  admonished  the  Israelites:  (1),  To  keep  the 
covenant  with  God;  (2),  To  love  God  above  all  things; 

(3) ,  To  be  always  grateful  to  God  for  all  His  favors; 

(4) ,  To  bring  up  their  children  in  the  fear  and  love  of 
God. 

How  did  Moses  admonish  the  Israelites  to  keep  the 
covenant? 

Moses  admonished  the  Israelites  to  keep  the  cove¬ 
nant  in  the  following  words:  “  Beware  lest  thou  ever 
forget  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  thy  God  which  He 
hath  made  with  thee/’ 

How  did  Moses  admonish  them  to  love  God  above  all 
things  ? 

Moses  admonished  them  to  love  God  above  all 
things  in  the  following  words:  “  Hear,  0  Israel,  the 
Lord  Our  God  is  one  Lord.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  thy  whole  heart,  and  with  thy  whole 
soul,  and  with  thy  whole  strength.” 

How  did  Moses  admonish  the  Israelites  to  be  grate^ 
ful  to  God? 

Moses  admonished  the  Israelites  to  be  grateful  in 


The  Parting  Advice  and  Death  of  Moses.  149 

the  following  words:  “  Take  heed  diligently  lest  thou 
forget  the  Lord  who  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  out  of  the  house  of  bondage.” 

How  did  he  admonish  them  to  bring  up  their  chil¬ 
dren  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God? 

He  admonished  them  to  bring  up  their  children  in 
the  fear  and  love  of  God  in  the  following  words: 
“  Teach  your  children  that  they  meditate  on  them 
[His  words],  wrhen  thou  sittest  in  thy  house,  and  when 
thou  walkest  on  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down  and 
risest  up.” 

What  did  Moses  promise  the  Israelites  ? 

Moses  promised  them  the  blessing  of  God  if  they 
kept  His  Commandments,  and  His  curse  if  they  neg¬ 
lected  them. 

How  did  Moses  promise  them  God’s  blessing  if  they 
were  faithful,  and  His  curse  otherwise? 

Moses  said  to  them:  “  Behold  I  set  forth  in  your 
sight  this  day  a  blessing  and  a  curse:  a  blessing  if  you 
obey  the  Commandments  of  the  Lord  your  God,  which 
I  command  you  this  day:  a  curse  if  you  obey  not  the 
Commandments  of  the  Lord  your  God.” 

What  did  Moses  prophesy  ? 

Moses  prophesied  that  the  Lord  would  raise  up  a 
great  prophet  from  among  them. 

Repeat  the  prophecy. 

“  The  Lord  thy  God  will  raise  up  to  thee  a  Prophet 
of  thy  nation  and  of  thy  brethren  like  unto  me:  Him 
thou  shalt  hear.” 

Who  was  this  prophet  ? 

This  prophet  was  Jesus  Christ. 


150  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Where  did  Moses  die? 

Moses  died  on  Mount  Nebo. 

Where  is  Mount  Nebo? 

Mount  Nebo  lies  east  of  the  Dead  Sea. 

Why  was  Moses  not  permitted  to  enter  the  Promised 
Land? 

Moses  was  not  permitted  to  enter  the  Promised 
Land  because  lie  doubted  that  God  would  be  merciful 
to  the  stiff-necked  Israelites,  and  cause  water  to  spring 
from  the  rock. 

Of  whom  is  Moses  a  type? 

Moses  is  a  type  of  Christ. 

How  is  Moses  a  type  of  Christ? 

Moses  as  a  child  was  doomed  to  death  but  was 
rescued  by  Pharao’s  daughter,  Christ  as  a  child  was 
forced  to  flee  from  Herod,  who  sought  His  life;  Moses 
left  the  court  of  Pharao  to  serve  his  people,  Christ  left 
His  throne  in  heaven  to  save  His  people;  Moses  freed 
the  Israelites  from  the  bondage  of  Egypt,  Christ  freed 
the  world  from  the  bondage  of  Satan;  Moses  was  the 
law-giver  of  the  Old  Law,  Christ  is  the  Law-giver  of 
the  New;  Moses  led  his  people  into  the  Promised  Land, 
Christ  leads  us  to  our  home  in  heaven. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  faithful  to  God  by 
preserving  sanctifying  grace. 


The  Israelites  Enter  the  Promised  Land.  151 


XL VI.  THE  ISRAELITES  ENTER  THE 
PROMISED  LAND.— JOSUE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  God,  through  Josue,  led  the  Israel¬ 
ites  in  a  miraculous  manner  into  the  Promised  Land. 

Who  became  the  leader  of  the  Israelites  after 
Moses? 

After  Moses,  Josue  became  the  leader  of  the 
Israelites. 

How  did  God  encourage  Josue? 

God  said  to  Josue:  “ Behold  I  command  thee,  take 
courage,  and  be  strong.  Fear  not,  and  be  not  dis¬ 
mayed:  because  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with  thee  in  all 
things  whatsoever  thou  shalt  go  to.” 

Whither  did  Josue  lead  the  Israelites  at  first? 

Josue  at  first  led  the  Israelites  to  the  banks  of  the 
Jordan. 

What  preceded  the  procession  of  the  Israelites  ? 

The  ark  of  the  covenant,  borne  by  the  priests,  pre¬ 
ceded  the  Israelites. 

What  did  the  ark  of  the  covenant  signify? 

The  ark  of  the  covenant  signified  the  presence  of 
God. 

How  did  God  lead  the  Israelites  through  the 
Jordan? 

God  led  the  Israelites  through  the  Jordan  in  the 
following  manner:  As  soon  as  the  priests  bearing  the 
ark  touched  the  water  of  the  Jordan,  the  waves  from 
above  stood  still,  and  the  water  from  below  flowed 
into  the  Dead  Sea;  thus  a  dry  space  of  land  was  left 
on  which  they  crossed. 


152  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

Where  did  the  Israelites  camp  in  the  Promised 
Land? 

They  camped  near  the  city  of  Jericho. 

What  feast  did  they  celebrate  immediately  after 
crossing  the  Jordan? 

On  the  day  following  the  crossing  of  the  Jordan, 
the  Israelites  celebrated  the  feast  of  the  Passover. 

Could  the  Israelites  expect  to  take  the  city  of 
Jericho  by  their  own  strength? 

No,  because  Jericho  was  strongly  fortified. 

How  were  they  able  to  take  Jericho? 

God  enabled  them  to  take  the  city  by  a  miracle. 

What  did  God  command  the  Israelites  to  do  ? 

God  commanded  the  Israelites  to  march  around  the 
city  once  a  day  for  six  days,  and  on  the  seventh  day 
thev  were  to  march  seven  times,  and  the  last  time  on 
hearing  the  trumpets  of  the  priests  all  the  people  were 
to  set  up  a  shout. 

What  happened  then? 

The  walls  of  Jericho  fell,  and  the  Israelites  entered 
the  city. 

What  caused  the  destruction  of  the  walls  of 
Jericho? 

The  almighty  power  of  God  caused  the  destruction 
of  the  walls  of  Jericho. 

Why  did  God  perform  this  miracle  for  the 
Israelites  ? 

God  performed  this  miracle  for  the  Israelites:  (1), 
To  confirm  them  in  their  faith;  (2),  To  show  them  that 
He  kept  His  promise. 

Of  what  is  the  Promised  Land  a  figure  ? 

The  Promised  Land  is  a  figure  of  heaven. 


The  Judges. — Gedeon. 


153 


Can  we  reach  heaven  by  our  own  efforts  alone? 

No,  we  need  the  grace  of  God. 

Of  whom  is  Josue  a  type? 

Josue  is  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ. 

How  is  Josue  a  type  of  Christ? 

Josue  led  the  Israelites  through  the  Jordan  into  the 
Promised  Land,  Christ  leads  us  through  the  waters  of 
Baptism  to  heaven;  Josue,  by  his  victory,  acquired  a 
right  to  the  Promised  Land,  Christ  by  His  glorious 
victory  over  sin  and  death,  acquired  our  title  to  heaven. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  battle  valiantly  in 
temptations,  and  to  be  always  a  courageous  soldier  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

XLVII.  THE  JUDGES.— GEDEON. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  permitted  the  Israelites  to  fall 
into  the  power  of  the  heathens  to  punish  their  infidel¬ 
ity,  and  that  as  often  as  they  repented  He  liberated 
them  by  the  judges. 

Were  the  Israelites  unfaithful  to  God  after  the 
death  of  Josue? 

Yes,  they  were  unfaithful  to  God. 

In  what  did  their  infidelity  consist? 

Their  infidelity  consisted  in:  (1),  Intermarrying 
with  the  pagan  nations  around  them;  and  (2),  In  fall¬ 
ing  into  the  vices  and  idolatry  of  the  pagans. 

So  what  was  it  that  endangered  the  faith  of  the 
Israelites  ? 

The  intercourse  with  people  who  had  no  religion 
endangered  the  faith  of  the  Israelites. 


154  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

What  were  these  pagan  nations  for  the  Israelites? 

They  were  the  occasion  of  their  sins. 

What  do  we  mean  by  occasion  of  sin? 

By  occasion  of  sin,  we  mean  any  person,  place,  or 
thing  that  usually  leads  to  sin. 

What  should  we  remember,  if  we  are  not  ready  to 
avoid  the  occasion  of  sin? 

Unless  we  are  ready  to  avoid  the  occasion  of  sin, 
we  should  remember  that  the  absolution  of  the  priest 
does  not  remit  our  sins,  but  rather  increases  our  guilt. 

How  did  God  punish  the  Israelites  for  their  sins? 

God  punished  the  Israelites  by  allowing  them  to 
fall  into  the  hands  of  pagan  nations. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  show? 

It  shows  God's  justice. 

What  effect  did  the  punishment  have  on  the 
Israelites? 

They  confessed  their  sins  and  repented  of  them. 

Did  God  have  mercy  on  them  then? 

Yes;  He  sent  them  the  judges,  who  delivered  them 
from  the  hands  of  the  pagan  nations. 

What  was  the  office  of  the  judges? 

The  office  of  the  judges  was  twofold:  (1),  To  liber¬ 
ate  the  Israelites  and  punish  their  enemies;  (2),  To 
bring  the  Israelites  back  to  the  true  faith. 

Who  was  the  most  renowned  of  the  judges? 

The  most  renowned  of  the  judges  was  Gedeon. 

Which  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  Gedeon? 

The  characteristic  virtues  of  Gedeon  were  humil¬ 
ity,  obedience,  and  confidence  in  God. 


The  Judges. — Gedeon . 


155 


How  did  he  show  his  humility  ? 

He  showed  his  humility  by  considering  himself 
weak  and  of  little  importance. 

What  did  he  say  when  the  angel  commissioned  him 
to  deliver  the  Israelites  from  the  hand  of  Madian? 

Gedeon  replied:  “  I  am  the  least  in  my  father’s 
house.” 

How  did  he  show  his  obedience  ? 

He  showed  his  obedience  by  doing  exactly  what  God 
had  commanded. 

How  did  he  show  his  confidence  in  God? 

He  showed  his  confidence  in  God,  because  relying 
on  the  promise  of  God  he  did  not  fear  to  attack  the 
Madianites,  although  he  knew  he  was  weak. 

How  did  God  reward  Gedeon  for  his  virtues? 

God  rewarded  Gedeon  by  making  him  victorious 
over  his  enemies. 

Of  whom  is  Gedeon  a  type? 

Gedeon  is  a  type  of  Christ. 

How  is  Gedeon  a  type  of  Christ? 

Gedeon  spent  his  youth  in  obscurity,  Christ  spent 
thirty  years  in  the  solitude  of  Nazareth;  Gedeon  con¬ 
quered  a  numerous  army  with  a  few  warriors,  Christ, 
with  twelve  Apostles,  conquered  the  world;  the  war¬ 
riors  of  Gedeon  went  forth  with  trumpets  and  lamps 
to  meet  the  enemy;  the  warriors  of  Christ  go  forth  with 
the  Gospel  and  the  light  of  truth. 

How  many  types  of  Christ  have  we  seen  thus  far  ? 

We  have  seen  the  following  types  of  Christ:  Adam, 
Abel,  Noe,  Melchisedech,  Isaac,  Joseph,  Moses,  Josue, 
and  Gedeon. 


156  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  avoid  the  company  of 
unbelievers  and  immoral  people. 


XLVIII.  RUTH’S  AFFECTION  FOR  HER 

MOTHER-IN-LAW. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  God  rewarded  the  virtues  of  Noemi’s 
daughter-in-law,  Ruth?  and  made  her  the  ancestress  of 
the  Messias. 

Who  was  Noemi? 

Noemi  was  the  widow  of  Elimelech. 

Who  were  her  daughters-in-law? 

Her  daughters-in-law  were  Orpha  and  Ruth. 

For  which  virtues  was  Noemi  known? 

Noemi  was  known  for  her  constant,  lively  faith, 
and  sincere  love  of  her  neighbor. 

How  did  Noemi  show  that  her  faith  was  constant? 

Noemi  showed  that  her  faith  was  firm  by  preserving 
it  while  living  among  pagans. 

How  did  it  happen  that  Noemi  lived  among  pagans? 

At  the  time  of  a  famine  she  and  her  husband  and 
two  sons  went  into  the  land  of  Moab  (east  of  the 
Dead  Sea). 

How  do  we  know  that  Noemi’s  faith  was  lively? 

We  know  that  Noemi’s  faith  was  lively  because  she 
lived  up  to  it. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  lived  up  to  her  faith  ? 

We  know  that  she  lived  up  to  her  faith  because  by 
her  good  example  she  converted  her  daughter-in-law, 
Ruth,  to  the  true  faith. 


Ruth?  s  Affection  for  Her  Mother-in-law.  157 

How  do  we  know  that  Noemi’s  love  of  her  neighbor 
was  sincere? 

We  know  that  Noemi’s  love  of  her  neighbor  was  sin¬ 
cere  because  she  did  not  want  her  daughter-in-law  to 
support  her  and  share  her  poverty. 

How  did  God  reward  Noemi? 

God  rewarded  her  through  Euth. 

For  which  virtues  was  Ruth  known? 

Ruth  was  known  for  her  faithfulness,  her  humility, 
industry,  and  modesty. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  was  faithful  ? 

We  know  that  she  was  faithful  because  she  would 
not  leave  Noemi. 

What  did  Ruth  answer  when  Noemi  asked  her  to 
depart  ? 

Ruth  answered:  “Be  not  against  me,  ...  for 
whithersoever  thou  shalt  go,  I  will  go.  .  .  .  Thy  people 
shall  he  my  people,  and  thy  God  my  God.  The  land 
that  shall  receive  thee  dying,  in  the  same  will  I  die,  and 
there  will  I  be  buried.” 

What  do  these  words  show? 

They  show  that  it  was  Ruth’s  intention:  (1),  To  be 
always  true  to  God;  (2),  To  be  faithful  to  Noemi  in  life 
and  in  death. 

How  do  we  know  that  Ruth  was  humble  ? 

We  know  that  Ruth  was  humble  because  she  asked 
permission  of  Noemi  “  to  glean  the  ears  of  corn  that 
escaped  from  the  hands  of  the  reaper.” 

How  do  we  know  that  Ruth  was  industrious  ? 

We  know  that  she  was  industrious  because  she  fol¬ 
lowed  the  reapers  continually. 


158  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 

How  do  we  sin  by  sloth? 

We  sin  by  sloth  as  often  as  we  neglect  the  duties  of 
our  state  of  life  because  of  our  dislike  for  work. 

How  do  we  know  that  Ruth  was  modest? 

We  know  that  Ruth  was  modest  from  the  words  of 
Booz:  “My  daughter,  all  the  people  that  dwell  within 
the  gates  of  my  city,  know  that  thou  art  a  virtuous 
woman.” 

In  what  does  Christian  virtue  consist  ? 

Christian  virtue  consists  in  the  firm  will  to  do  what¬ 
ever  is  pleasing  to  God. 

How  did  God  reward  the  virtue  of  Ruth? 

God  rewarded  Ruth’s  virtue  by  having  Booz,  a  rich, 
God-fearing  man,  marry  her,  and  by  making  her  the 
ancestress  of  the  Messias. 

Which  were  the  virtues  of  Booz? 

Booz  was  pious,  and  loved  his  neighbor  sincerely. 

How  do  we  know  that  Booz  was  pious? 

We  know  that  Booz  was  pious  because  he  always 
greeted  his  people  with  “  The  Lord  be  with  you.” 

How  do  we  know  that  Booz’s  love  of  his  neighbor 
was  sincere? 

We  know  that  Booz’s  love  of  his  neighbor  was  sin¬ 
cere  because  he  gave  food  and  drink  to  a  poor  widow, 
Ruth. 

How  did  God  reward  the  piety  and  charity  of 
Booz? 

God  rewarded  the  piety  and  charity  of  Booz  by 
giving  him  a  virtuous  wife,  and  making  him  an  ances¬ 
tor  of  the  Messias. 


Samuel . — The  Wicked  Sons  of  Heli.  159 

How  were  Booz  and  Until  the  ancestors  of  the 
Messias? 

Booz  and  Ruth  were  the  great-grandparents  of 
David,  of  whose  family  the  Messias  was  born. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  industrious; 
(2),  To  be  kind  to  every  one;  (3),  To  be  charitable  to 
the  poor. 

XLIX.  SAMUEL.— THE  MUCKED  SONS  OF  HELI. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  how  Cod  chose  Samuel  to  liberate  the 
people,  and  punished  the  wicked  sons  of  Heli. 

For  what  were  Elcana  and  his  wife  Anna  known? 

They  were  known  for  their  piety. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  were  pious  ? 

We  know  that  they  were  pious  because  they  had  re¬ 
course  to  prayer  in  their  affliction. 

What  was  their  affliction? 

They  had  no  children. 

For  what  did  Anna  pray  ? 

She  prayed  for  a  son. 

How  did  she  strengthen  her  prayer? 

She  strengthened  her  prayer  by  a  vow. 

What  is  a  vow? 

A  vow  is  a  promise  to  do  something  pleasing  to 
God,  which  we  are  not  otherwise  obliged  to  do. 

What  did  Anna  vow? 

Anna  said:  “  0  Lord  of  hosts,  if  Thou  wilt  look 
down,  wilt  be  mindful  of  me,  .  .  .  and  wilt  give  to  Thy 
servant  a  man-child^  I  will  give  him  to  the  Lord  all  the 
days  of  his  life.” 


160  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel , 

Was  her  prayer  heard? 

Yes,  God  gave  her  a  son  whom  she  called  Samuel, 

What  does  “  Samuel  ”  mean? 

“  Samuel  ”  means  “  the  one  who  was  asked  of 
God.” 

For  which  virtues  was  Samuel  known? 

Samuel  was  known  for  his  piety,  obedience,  kind¬ 
ness,  and  truthfulness. 

How  do  we  know  that  Samuel  was  pious? 

We  know  that  Samuel  was  pious  because  he  was 
faithful  to  his  holy  vocation,  and  was  not  led  astray  by 
the  bad  example  of  Ileli’s  sons. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  obedient? 

We  know  that  Samuel  was  obedient  because  he 
arose  each  time  when  his  name  was  called. 

How  do  we  know  that  Samuel  was  kind  and  con¬ 
siderate? 

We  know  that  he  was  kind  and  considerate  because 
he  did  not  wish  to  grieve  Heli  by  telling  him  what  the 
Lord  had  revealed  to  him. 

How  do  we  know  that  Samuel  was  truthful? 

We  know  that  Samuel  was  truthful  because,  when 
questioned  by  Heli,  he  told  him  all  that  the  Lord  had 
revealed. 

What  did  the  Lord  reveal  to  Samuel? 

The  Lord  revealed  to  Samuel  that  He  would  punish 
Heli  and  his  sons. 

Why  did  the  Lord  punish  the  sons  of  Heli? 

The  Lord  punished  the  sons  of  Heli  because  they 
desecrated  the  sanctuary,  and  performed  their  religious 
functions  disrespectfully  in  the  presence  of  the  people. 


161 


Samuel. —The  Wicked  Sons  of  Ileli. 

What  sins  did  the  sons  of  Heli  commit? 

They  committed  the  sins  of  sacrilege  and  scandal. 

What  is  a  sacrilege? 

A  sacrilege  is  the  abuse  of  a  person,  place,  or  thing 
consecrated  to  God. 

Why  did  God  punish  Heli? 

God  punished  Ileli  because  he  was  accessory  to  the 
sins  of  his  sons. 

How  many  ways  was  Heli  accessory  to  the  sins  of 
his  sons? 

Ileli  was  accessory  to  the  sins  of  his  sons  at  least  by 
silence. 

How  did  God  punish  the  sons  of  Heli? 

God  punished  the  sons  of  Ileli  by  causing  them  to 
fall  in  a  battle  against  the  Philistines. 

How  did  God  punish  Heli? 

God  punished  Ileli  in  the  following  manner:  When 
he  heard  that  the  ark  of  the  covenant  had  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  Philistines,  he  fell  backwards  from 
his  chair  and  broke  his  neck. 

How  did  God  reward  Samuel? 

God  rewarded  Samuel  by  making  him  a  prophet 
and  a  judge. 

What  was  Samuel’s  office? 

Samuel’s  office  was  to  bring  back  the  Israelites  to 
the  true  faith. 

How  did  Samuel  fulfil  his  office  ? 

Samuel  reprimanded  the  Israelites  on  account  of 
their  sins,  and  said:  “  If  you  turn  to  the  Lord  with  all 
your  heart,  put  away  the  strange  gods  from  among 
you.  .  .  .  He  will  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Philistines.” 


162  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Did  the  Israelites  heed  the  words  of  Samuel? 

Yes,  they  repented  of  their  sins  and  turned  again 
to  the  Lord. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  obey  our  parents, 
teachers,  priests,  and  bishops;  (2),  To  behave  respect¬ 
fully  in  Church. 


L.  SAUL  ELECTED  KING. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  made  Saul  king  of  Israel,  but 
afterwards  deposed  him  on  account  of  his  disobedience. 

Who  asked  for  a  king? 

The  people  asked  for  a  king. 

Was  Samuel  pleased  with  their  request? 

No,  but  the  Lord  told  him  to  hearken  to  the  voice 
of  the  people,  and  to  give  them  a  king  to  punish  them. 

Who  chose  the  king? 

God  Himself  chose  the  king. 

Why  did  God  choose  the  king? 

God  chose  the  king  to  show:  (1),  That  He  alone  was 
their  King  and  supreme  Lord;  and  (2),  That  the  king 
was  His  representative. 

What  did  the  people  owe  the  king? 

They  owed  him  obedience. 

Why  must  we  obey  lawful  authority? 

We  must  obey  lawful  authority  because,  as  St.  Paul 
says,  “  all  authority  comes  from  God.” 

For  what  was  Saul  known  ? 

Saul  was  known  for  his  humility  and  obedience. 


Saul  Elected  King. 


163 


Which  other  qualities  did  Saul  possess  ? 

He  was  strong  and  fair  to  look  on. 

Who  anointed  Saul  king  ? 

Samuel  anointed  Saul  king. 

How  did  Samuel  anoint  Saul? 

He  poured  oil  upon  the  head  of  Saul  and  said: 
“  Behold,  the  Lord  hath  anointed  thee  to  be  prince  over 
His  inheritance.” 

Why  did  Samuel  anoint  Saul  with  oil? 

Samuel  anointed  Saul  with  oil  (a  figure  of  light  and 
strength)  to  signify  that  the  Lord  would  lend  him 
wisdom  and  strength  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his 
high  office. 

Did  God  assist  Saul  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties? 

Yes,  as  long  as  Saul  remained  humble  God  assisted 
him. 

How  did  God  assist  him  ? 

God  assisted  him  by  making  him  victorious  over  his 
enemies. 

Did  Saul  always  remain  humble? 

Ho;  after  a  while  he  became  proud. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  became  proud? 

We  know  that  he  became  proud  because  he  ordered 
a  triumphal  arch  to  he  erected  in  his  honor. 

When  do  we  sin  by  pride? 

We  sin  by  pride  as  often  as  we  attribute  to  ourselves 
good  qualities  which  we  do  not  possess,  refuse  to  give 
God  credit  for  them,  or  despise  our  fellow-men. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  pride  belong  ? 

Pride  belongs  to  the  capital  sins. 

What  sin  proceeded  from  the  pride  of  Saul? 

From  the  pride  of  Saul  proceeded  the  sin  of  dis¬ 
obedience  to  God. 


164  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel . 


How  do  we  know  that  Saul  disobeyed  God? 

We  know  that  Saul  disobeyed  God,  because,  con¬ 
trary’  to  God's  command,  he  kept  for  himself  the  best 
flocks  of  the  conquered  Amalecites. 

How  did  God  punish  him  ? 

God  punished  Saul  by  depriving  him  of  his  royal 
authority. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  always  humble  and 
obedient. 

LI.  DAVID  THE  YOUNG  SIIEHIERD. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  chose  David  to  be  king  of  Israel 
and  had  him  anointed  by  Samuel. 

Why  did  God  choose  David? 

God  chose  David  because  he  possessed  many  virtues 
that  qualified  him  for  the  office  of  king. 

Which  were  the  virtues  that  qualified  him  for  the 
office? 

The  following  virtues  qualified  David  for  the  office: 
he  was  humble,  God-fearing,  and  pure. 

What  do  we  see  from  this? 

We  see  from  this  that  God  does  not  consider  man's 
exterior,  but  the  condition  of  his  soul. 

Where  did  David  prepare  himself  still  more  for  his 
kingly  calling? 

David  prepared  himself  at  the  court  of  Saul. 

How  did  David  come  to  the  court  of  Saul? 

David  came  to  the  court  in  order  to  raise  Saul’s 
depressed  spirits  with  the  harp. 


David  Fights  with  Goliath  and  Slays  Him.  165 

Why  was  Saul  depressed  ? 

Saul  was  depressed  because  the  spirit  of  God  had 
left  him. 

What  do  we  see  from  this? 

We  see  from  this  that  sin  robs  man  of  peace  of 
heart. 

Where  did  David  live  ? 

David  lived  at  Bethlehem. 

Which  tribe  lived  at  Bethlehem? 

The  tribe  of  Juda  lived  at  Bethlehem. 

What  do  we  see  from  this? 

We  see  from  this  that  already  a  part  of  the  promise 
given  by  Jacob  to  Juda  was  being  fulfilled. 

What  was  the- promise? 

Jacob  said  to  Juda:  “  The  sons  of  thy  father  shall 
bow  down  to  thee.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  work  and  pray,  and  keep 
our  soul  free  from  mortal  sin. 


L1I.  DAVID  FIGHTS  WITH  GOLIATH  AND 

SLAYS  HIM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  David  slew  the  Philistine  giant 

Goliath. 

What  was  Goliath’s  predominating  sin? 

Goliath’s  predominating  sin  was  pride. 

How  do  we  know  that  Goliath  was  proud  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  proud:  (1),  Because  he  relied 
on  his  own  strength  and  armor;  (2),  Because  he  sought 
to  fight  for  his  own  glory;  (3),  Because  he  boasted  of 


1G6  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

his  strength;  (4),  Because  he  insulted  the  people  of 
God. 

How  was  Goliath  clad? 

He  was  clad  in  armor  of  enormous  weight,  and 
wore  a  brazen  helmet  on  his  head. 

How  was  he  armed  ? 

lie  was  armed  with  a  brazen  shield,  a  spear,  and  a 
sword. 

How  did  he  challenge  the  Israelites? 

Goliath  appeared  every  morning  and  evening  before 
the  camp  of  the  Israelites  and  cried  out:  “  Choose  out 
a  man  of  you,  and  let  him  come  down  and  fight  hand  to 
hand.  If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me  and  kill  me,  we 
will  be  servants  to  you;  but  if  I  prevail  against  him  and 
kill  him,  you  shall  be  servants,  and  shall  serve  us.” 

How  do  we  know  that  he  insulted  the  Israelites? 

We  know  that  he  insulted  the  Israelites  from  his 
own  words:  “  1  have  defied  the  bands  of  Israel  this 
day.” 

Which  good  qualities  of  David  do  we  learn  from 
his  encounter  with  Goliath? 

We  learn  from  David’s  encounter  that  he  was  pious, 
trusted  in  God,  was  humble,  and  very  courageous. 

How  do  we  know  that  David  was  pious? 

We  know  that  David  was  pious  because  he  was  in¬ 
dignant  at  the  insults  heaped  upon  the  people  of  God, 
and  consequently  on  God  Himself. 

How  did  he  express  his  indignation? 

He  said:  “Who  is  this  uncircumcised  Philistine 
that  he  should  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God?  ” 

How  do  we  know  that  David  trusted  in  God? 

We  know  that  he  trusted  in  God  from  his  words  to 


Jonathan  Loves  David ,  Saul  Ilates  Ilim.  167 

Goliath:  “  Thou  comest  to  me  with  a  sword,  and  with 
a  spear,  and  with  a  shield;  hut  I  come  to  thee  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  .  .  .  whom  thou  hast  defied. 
...  I  will  slay  thee  and  take  away  thy  head  from 
thee,  .  .  .  that  all  the  earth  may  know  that  there  is  a 
God  in  Israel.” 

How  do  we  know  that  David  was  humble  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  humble  because  he  did  not 
rely  on  his  own  strength,  but  on  God’s  help. 

How  do  we  know  that  David  was  brave  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  brave  because  he  had  killed  a 
lion  that  attacked  his  father’s  flock,  even  before  he 
fought  the  giant  Goliath. 

How  did  God  reward  David  ? 

God  rewarded  him  by  a  glorious  victory  over 
Goliath. 

Of  what  is  David’s  victory  over  Goliath  a  figure  ? 

David’s  victory  over  Goliath  is  a  figure  of  Christ’s 
victory  over  Satan. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1)?  To  be  always  humble 
and  modest;  (2),  To  put  our  trust  in  God  and  coura¬ 
geously  combat  our  evil  passions. 


LIII.  JONATHAN  LOVES  DAVID,  SAUL 

HATES  HIM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jonathan  loved  David  most  tenderly, 
and  Saul  hated  him  most  intensely. 

Who  was  Jonathan? 

Jonathan  was  a  son  of  Saul. 


1C)  8  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


How  do  we  know  that  Jonathan  loved  David? 

We  know  that  Jonathan  loved  David  because  he 
made  a  covenant  of  friendship  with  him. 

Why  did  Jonathan  love  David? 

Jonathan  loved  David  on  account  of  his  virtues. 

How  did  Jonathan  prove  his  friendship? 

Jonathan  proved  his  friendship:  (1),  P>y  warning 
David  of  the  snares  that  Saul  had  laid  for  him;  (2),  By 
speaking  well  of  him  in  the  presence  of  Saul;  (3),  By 
interceding  for  him. 

Was  Jonathan’s  intercession  successful? 

Yes?  for  Saul  swore  that  he  would  not  harm  David. 

What  is  an  oath? 

An  oath  is  the  calling  upon  God  to  witness  the 
truth  of  what  we  say. 

What  do  we  learn  from  Jonathan’s  friendship  for 
David? 

We  learn  from  Jonathan’s  friendship  for  David, 
that  a  true  friend  is  a  great  blessing.  “  A  faithful 
friend  is  a  strong  defence;  and  he  that  hath  found  him 
hath  found  a  treasure.”  (Ecclus.  vi.  14.) 

What  should  decide  a  person  in  the  choice  of  a 
friend  ? 

Virtue,  especially  the  fear  of  God,  and  purity, 
should  decide  one  in  the  choice  of  a  friend. 

When  does  a  true  friend  prove  his  friendship? 

A  true  friend  proves  his  friendship  in  adversity. 

Why  did  Saul  hate  David  ? 

Saul  hated  David  because  he  was  suspicious  and 
envious  of  him. 

When  are  we  guilty  of  false  suspicion? 

We  are  guilty  of  false  suspicion  as  often  as  we 


David's  Noble  Conduct  towards  Saul.  169 

suspect  another  of  something  evil  without  sufficient 
reason. 

Of  what  did  Saul  suspect  David? 

Saul  suspected  David  of  planning  to  deprive  him  of 
his  crown. 

How  do  we  know  that  Saul  was  guilty  of  the  sin 
of  envy? 

We  know  that  Saul  was  guilty  of  the  sin  of  envy 
because  he  was  displeased  at  the  praise  which  David 
received  for  his  victory  over  Goliath. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  envy  belong? 

Envy  is  one  of  the  seven  capital  sins. 

What  sin  proceeded  from  Saul’s  envy? 

From  Saul’s  envy  proceeded  his  hatred  and  murder¬ 
ous  desires. 

Who  saved  David  from  the  snares  of  Saul  ? 

Jonathan  saved  David. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  Not  to  envy  our 
neighbor;  (2),  To  choose  only  pure  and  God-fearing 
friends.  “  Be  in  peace  with  many,  but  let  one  of  a 
thousand  be  thy  counsellor.”  (Ecclus.  vi.  6.) 


LIY.  DAVID’S  NOBLE  CONDUCT  TOWARDS 

SAUL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  David  generously  forgave  Saul,  and 
how  the  latter  ended  his  life  by  suicide. 

Did  Saul  promise  to  spare  the  life  of  David  ? 

Yes,  and  he  confirmed  his  promise  with  an  oath. 


170  Development  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

Did  Saul  break  bis  oath? 

Yes;  carried  away  by  hatred  and  envy,  he  tried  to 
take  David's  life. 

How  do  we  commit  a  sin  by  swearing? 

We  commit  a  sin  by  swearing:  (1),  If  what  we 
swear  is  false  or  doubtful;  (2),  If  we  swear  without 
necessity;  (3),  If  we  swear  to  neglect  some  good,  or  to 
perform  something  wicked;  (4),  If  we  fail  to  keep  our 
oath. 

Are  we  always  bound  to  keep  an  oath? 

Yes,  we  are  bound  to  keep  an  oath  unless  it  be¬ 
comes  impossible  to  keep  it,  or  what  we  have  sworn  to 
do  is  contrarv  to  the  law  of  God. 

•r 

How  did  David  act  when  his  life  was  in  danger? 

He  fled  to  the  mountains  of  Juda. 

How  do  we  know  that  David  trusted  in  God  ? 

We  know  that  David  trusted  in  God  from  his  own 
words:  “  He  who  is  under  the  protection  of  the  Most 
High  is  safe,  and  need  not  fear.” 

How  did  God  reward  David’s  trust  in  Him? 

God  rewarded  him  by  not  only  saving  his  life  from 
the  machinations  of  Saul,  but  also  by  placing  his 
enemy  in  his  power. 

Why  did  God  place  Saul  in  the  power  of  David? 

God  placed  Saul  in  the  power  of  David  in  order  that 
the  latter  might  have  an  opportunity  to  practise  virtue 
and  lav  up  merit  for  heaven. 

Which  virtues  did  David  practise  during  his  flight  ? 

He  practised  the  fear  of  God,  and  brotherly  love. 

How  did  David  show  that  he  feared  God? 

He  showed  that  he  feared  God  because  he  would  not 
harm  the  person  of  Saul,  who  was  the  anointed  of  the 
Lord. 


David' s  Noble  Conduct  towards  Saul.  171 

How  did  David  show  his  brotherly  love  ? 

David  showed  his  brotherly  love:  (1),  Bv  not  taking 
revenge  on  his  enemy  Saul;  (2),  By  preventing  his  com¬ 
panion  from  killing  Saul;  (3),  By  being  well  disposed 
towards  Saul. 

Is  it  enough  for  us  to  refrain  from  taking  revenge 
on  our  enemies? 

No,  we  should  also  wish  them  well. 

Was  David’s  generous  brotherly  love  rewarded? 

Yes;  Saul  became  reconciled  to  him. 

How  did  Saul  die? 

Saul  took  his  own  life. 

How  do  we  sin  against  our  own  life  ? 

We  sin  against  our  own  life:  (1),  By  taking  our 
own  life;  (2),  By  ruining  our  health  or  shortening  our 
life  by  dissipation  and  intemperance;  (3),  By  risking 
our  lives  without  necessity. 

What  did  David  do  when  he  heard  of  Saul’s  death  ? 

When  David  heard  of  Saul's  death,  he  wept,  and 
remembered  only  his  good  qualities. 

What  became  of  Jonathan? 

Jonathan  fell  in  a  battle  with  the  Philistines. 

How  was  David  affected  by  the  news  of  Jonathan's 
death  ? 

David  was  very  sad  when  he  heard  of  Jonathan's 
death,  for  he  loved  him  dearly. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  generous  to 
our  enemies;  (2),  To  remember  the  departed  in  our 
prayers;  (3),  To  speak  well  of  even*  one,  whenever  it  is 
possible. 


THE  GREATNESS  OF  THE  PEOPLE  OF 
ISRAEL,  FROM  DAVID  TO  ROBOAM. 


LY.  DAVID’S  PIETY  AND  ZEAL  FOR  GOD’S 

GLORY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  David  ruled  his  people  gloriously, 
and  did  a  great  deal  to  promote  the  honor  and  glory  of 
God. 

What  made  David’s  reign  glorious? 

David’s  reign  was  glorious  because  of  his  many 
victories  and  his  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  his  sub¬ 
jects. 

Which  qualities  did  David  display  in  the  govern¬ 
ment  of  the  people? 

David  displayed,,  in  his  government  of  the  people, 
justice,  prudence,  and  fear  of  the  Lord. 

How  did  he  display  justice? 

He  displayed  justice  by  deciding  all  disputes  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  laws  of  strict  justice. 

How  did  David  display  prudence? 

David  displayed  prudence  by  choosing  only  wise  and 
just  counsellors  to  assist  him  in  governing  the  people. 

172 


David's  Piety  and  Zeal  for  God's  Glory .  173 

How  did  David  display  his  fear  of  the  Lord  ? 

David  displayed  his  fear  of  the  Lord:  (1),  By  giv¬ 
ing  a  good  example  to  his  subjects;  (2),  By  erecting  a 
tabernacle  for  the  ark  of  the  covenant  on  Mount  Sion; 
(3),  By  regulating  divine  worship;  (4),  By  arousing  and 
promoting  religious  feeling  among  the  people  by  music 
and  hymns. 

In  what  did  David’s  good  example  consist? 

David  professed  his  faith  openly,  and  went  in  pro¬ 
cession  before  the  ark,  singing  and  playing  on  the  harp. 

Is  it  enough  to  have  the  true  faith  in  our  heart? 

No,  we  must  also  profess  it  publicly. 

What  sign  is  a  profession  of  our  faith  ? 

The  sign  of  the  cross  is  a  profession  of  our  faith. 

How  do  we  sin  against  faith? 

We  sin  against  faith:  (1),  By  rejecting  the  true 
faith  or  wilfully  doubting  it;  (2),  By  reading  books 
contrary  to  faith  and  morals;  (3),  By  speaking  against 
faith  or  listening  to  others  do  so;  (4),  By  indifference 
or  denial  of  our  faith. 

How  did  David  have  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
carried  to  the  tabernacle  that  he  erected  on  Mount 
Sion? 

lie  ordered  a  public  procession,  in  which  the  ark  was 
carried  to  Mount  Sion. 

Why  are  religious  processions  held  publicly? 

Religious  processions  are  held  publicly:  (1),  To 
praise  God  and  profess  our  faith  before  men;  (2),  To 
bring  down  the  blessing  of  God  on  our  country;  (3),  To 
celebrate  the  triumph  of  the  cross. 


171  Greatness  of  Israel ,  f  rom  David  to  Roboam. 


What  arrangements  did  David  make  for  a  perma¬ 
nent  divine  worship? 

David  divided  into  twenty-four  classes  the  priests 
who  were  to  assist  alternately  at  divine  services. 

How  did  David  promote  the  beauty  of  divine 
services  by  music? 

He  chose  four  thousand  Levites,  who  were  to  sing 
and  play  sacred  hymns  during  divine  services. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  contribute  freely  to  the 
support  and  embellishment  of  the  house  of  God. 

LYI.  THE  PROPHECIES  OF  DAVID. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  David  composed  many  hymns,  and 
prophesied  many  things  about  the  Redeemer. 

What  are  the  hymns  of  David  called? 

They  are  called  Psalms. 

What  does  the  word  “  Psalm  ”  mean? 

“  Psalm  ”  means  a  hymn  that  is  sung  to  the  accom¬ 
paniment  of  the  harp. 

How  many  psalms  are  there  ? 

There  are  one  hundred  and  fifty  psalms. 

How  are  the  psalms  divided? 

The  psalms  are  divided  into  five  classes:  The 
psalms  of  praise,  of  thanksgiving,  of  petition,  peniten¬ 
tial  psalms,  and  Messianic  psalms. 

What  do  the  penitential  psalms  express? 

The  penitential  psalms  express  a  confession  of  guilt, 
and  hope  of  forgiveness. 


The  Prophecies  of  David . 


175 


What  do  the  Messianic  psalms  contain  ? 

The  Messianic  psalms  contain  prophecies  concern¬ 
ing  the  coming  Redeemer. 

What  did  David  prophesy  about  the  Redeemer? 

He  prophesied:  (1),  His  divinity;  (2),  His  suffer¬ 
ing;  (3),  His  Resurrection;  (4),  His  Ascension  into 
heaven;  (5),  His  priesthood;  (6),  The  triumph  of  His 
kingdom. 

What  did  David  say  concerning  the  divinity  of  the 
coming  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  divinity  of  the  coming  Redeemer  he 
said:  “The  Lord  hath  said  to  Me,  Thou  art  My  Son, 
this  day  have  I  begotten  Thee.” 

Where  do  we  find  what  David  prophesied  concern¬ 
ing  the  suffering  of  the  coming  Redeemer? 

We  find  what  David  prophesied  concerning  the 
suffering  of  the  Redeemer  in  the  twenty-first  psalm. 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  Resurrection 
of  the  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  Resurrection  of  the  Redeemer  he 
prophesied:  “  Because  Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul 
in  hell;  nor  wilt  Thou  give  Thy  holy  one  to  see  cor¬ 
ruption  ”  (Ps.  xv.  10). 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  Ascension  ? 

Concerning  the  Ascension  he  prophesied:  “  Thou 
hast  ascended  on  high:  Thou  hast  led  captivity 
captive”  (Ps.  lxvii.  19). 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  priesthood 
of  the  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  priesthood  of  the  Redeemer  he 
prophesied:  “  The  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  He  will  not 
repent:  Thou  art  a  priest  forever  according  to  the 
order  of  Melchisedech  ”  (Ps.  cix.  4). 


176  Greatness  of  Israel ,  from  David  to  Roboam. 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  triumph  of 
the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  triumph  of  the  kingdom  of  the  Re¬ 
deemer  he  prophesied  as  follows:  “  The  Lord  said  to 
my  Lord:  Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand:  Until  I  make 
Thy  enemies  Thv  footstool  ”  (Ps.  cix.  1). 

What  did  the  prophets  foretell  concerning  the 
Redeemer? 

The  prophets  foretold:  (1),  'Die  time  and  place  of 
His  birth;  (2),  The  circumstances  of  His  life,  suffering, 
and  death;  (3),  His  Resurrection  and  Ascension;  (4), 
The  establishment  and  perpetuity  of  His  Church. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  attentive  and  devout 
at  Mass. 

LVII.  REVOLT  AND  iM’NISHMKNT  OF 

ABSALOM. 


What  is  related  in  this  lesson? 

It  is  related  that  David  sinned  grievously,  and  was 
punished  for  it  by  the  revolt  and  death  of  his  beloved 
son,  Absalom. 

What  sins  did  David  commit? 

David  committed  adultery  with  Bethsahee,  the  wife 
of  l  rias,  and  then  caused  Trias  to  be  slain  by  ordering 
him  to  be  exposed  “in  the  front  of  the  battle  where 
the  fight  was  the  strongest.” 

Which  Commandments  did  David  break  by  these 
sins? 

By  these  sins  he  broke  the  fifth  and  sixth  Com¬ 
mandments. 


Revolt  and  Punishment  of  Absalom.  177 

What  other  grievous  sin  did  David  commit  in  con¬ 
sequence  of  these  two  sins  ? 

Jn  consequence  of  these  two  sins  he  gave  scandal  to 
all  the  people. 

How  do  we  know  that  David  was  guilty  of 
murder? 

We  know  that  he  was  guilty  of  murder  because  he 
was  accessory  to  the  sin  of  Joab,  who  had  Urias  placed 
where  he  knew  he  would  be  slain. 

In  what  way  was  David  accessory  to  the  sin  of 
Joab? 

lie  was  accessory  to  the  sin  of  Joab  by  command. 

How  did  it  happen  that  the  virtuous  David  fell  into 
such  grievous  sins? 

David  fell  into  these  sins  because  he  grew  careless 
in  his  prayers,  and  allowed  his  eyes  to  rest  on  sinful 
objects. 

Who  reprimanded  David  for  his  sins? 

The  prophet  Nathan  reprimanded  him. 

Did  Nathan  succeed  in  making  David  repent  of  his 
sins? 

Yes,  be  succeeded  in  making  David  repent. 

How  did  David  confess  his  sins? 

He  said:  “  I  have  sinned  against  the  Lord.” 

How  did  he  express  sorrow  for  his  sins? 

He  expressed  sorrow  in  the  seven  penitential 
psalms. 

Did  he  show  his  sorrow  in  any  other  way? 

Yes,  he  showed  his  sorrow  by  performing  works  of 
penance. 


ITS  Greatness  of  Israel,  from  David  to  Roboam . 

Were  David's  works  of  penance  and  contrition 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God? 

Yes,  for  God  forgave  his  sins. 

Did  God  remit  all  the  temporal  punishment  due  to 
David’s  sins? 

No;  in  punishment  for  his  sins  David’s  son  Absalom 
revolted,  and  was  slain  in  his  tlight  after  battle. 

Against  which  Commandment  did  Absalom  sin? 

Absalom  sinned  against  the  fourth  Commandment. 

How  did  he  sin  against  the  fourth  Commandment? 

He  sinned  against  the  fourth  Commandment  by 
failing  to  show  due  respect,  love,  and  obedience  to  his 
father. 

How  did  he  fail  to  show  due  respect  to  his  father? 

He  failed  to  show  due  respect  to  his  father  by 
speaking  contemptuously  of  him,  and  criticising  his 
way  of  governing  the  people. 

How  did  he  sin  against  the  love  due  his  father? 

He  sinned  against  the  love  due  his  father  by  caus¬ 
ing  him  to  worry  on  account  of  his  ingratitude. 

How  did  he  sin  against  the  obedience  due  his 
father? 

He  sinned  against  the  obedience  due  his  father  by 
openly  rebelling  against  him. 

Are  we  bound  to  respect  and  obey  others  besides 
our  parents? 

Yes,  we  are  bound  to  respect  and  obey  our  bishops, 
pastors,  magistrates,  teachers,  and  all  lawful  superiors, 
whether  civil  or  ecclesiastical. 


David's  Last  Words  and  Death., 


179 


Why  must  we  respect  and  obey  all  our  lawful 
superiors  ? 

We  must  respect  and  obey  them  because  they  take 
the  place  of  God. 

What  other  sin  did  Absalom  commit? 

He  sinned  by  rebelling  against  lawful  authority. 

How  do  we  sin  against  our  lawful  superiors? 

We  sin  against  our  lawful  superiors:  (1),  By  criti¬ 
cising  them  and  speaking  contemptuously  of  them;  (2), 
By  opposing  them  and  openly  refusing  to  obey  them. 

How  did  David  look  on  the  crime  of  Absalom? 

He  looked  on  the  crime  of  Absalom,  whom  he  loved, 
as  a  punishment  from  God  for  his  sins. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  guard  our  eyes 
lest  they  lead  us  into  sin;  (2),  To  perform  works  of 
penance;  (3),  To  be  always  careful  to  keep  the  fourth 
Commandment. 

LVIII.  DAVID’S  LAST  WORDS  AND  DEATH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  last  words  of  David  to  his  people,  and 
his  son  Solomon. 

What  was  the  last  admonition  of  David  to  Solo¬ 
mon? 

David  admonished  Solomon  to  be  faithful  and  obe¬ 
dient  to  God,  and  to  build  the  Temple. 

What  did  David  say  to  Solomon? 

He  said:  “  And  thou,  my  son  Solomon,  know  the 
God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  Him  with  a  perfect  heart, 
and  a  willing  mind:  for  the  Lord  searcheth  all  hearts, 


180  Greatness  of  Israel,  from  David  to  Roboam . 

and  understandeth  all  the  thoughts  of  minds.  If  thou 
seek  Him,  thou  shalt  find  Him;  but  if  thou  forsake 
Him  He  will  cast  thee  off  forever.” 

To  which  attributes  of  God  does  David  refer  in  this 
admonition? 

He  refers  to  God’s  goodness,  His  knowledge  of  all 
things,  and  His  justice. 

How  does  he  refer  to  God’s  goodness? 

He  refers  to  God's  goodness  when  he  says:  “  Know 
the  God  of  thy  father,''  that  is  to  say,  the  God  who  has 
conferred  so  many  favors  on  thy  father. 

How  does  he  refer  to  God’s  knowledge  of  all  things? 

He  refers  to  God’s  knowledge  of  all  things  when  he 
says:  “  For  the  Lord  searcheth  all  hearts  and  under- 
standeth  all  the  thoughts  of  minds.” 

How  does  David  refer  to  God’s  justice? 

He  refers  to  God’s  justice  when  he  says:  “  If  thou 
forsake  him  He  will  cast  thee  off  forever.” 

How  did  David  command  Solomon  to  build  the 
Temple  ? 

He  said  to  Solomon:  “  Now  therefore  seeing  the 
Lord  hath  chosen  thee  to  build  the  house  of  His  sanc¬ 
tuary,  take  courage,  and  do  it.” 

How  did  David  admonish  the  people  to  contribute 
to  the  erection  of  the  Temple? 

He  said:  “Now  if  any  man  is  willing  to  offer,  let 
him  fill  his  hand  to-day,  and  offer  what  he  pleaseth  to 
the  Lord.” 

Of  whom  is  David  a  type  ? 

David  is  a  type  of  Christ. 

Why  is  David  a  type  of  Christ? 

David  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  so  was  Christ;  David 


/Solomon’s  Prayer  and  Wisdom .  181 

spent  his  youth  in  obscurity,  Christ  spent  the  first 
thirty  years  of  His  life  hidden  in  Nazareth;  David  con¬ 
quered  Goliath,  Christ  conquered  Satan;  David  was 
persecuted  by  Saul,  even  after  he  had  saved  his  life; 
Christ  is  persecuted  by  the  sinner  after  He  has  re¬ 
deemed  him  from  sin;  David  finally  prevailed  over  all 
his  enemies,  Christ  by  His  Resurrection  gained  a  glo¬ 
rious  victory  over  all  His  foes. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  keep  holy  the 
Temple  of  God,  our  soul;  that  is  to  say,  not  to  allow  it 
to  he  polluted  by  mortal  sin;  (2),  To  seek  the  honor  of 
God  in  all  our  actions. 

LIX.  SOLOMON’S  PRAYER  AND  WISDOM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Solomon  on  ascending  the  throne 
asked  God  for  the  gift  of  wisdom,  and  received  it;  and 
that  he  gave  a  proof  of  his  wisdom  by  deciding  a  dis¬ 
pute. 

In  what  does  the  gift  of  wisdom  consist? 

The  gift  of  wisdom  consists  in  knowing  all  things 
at  their  real  value. 

Why  did  Solomon  ask  God  for  wisdom? 

Solomon  asked  God  for  wisdom  because  he  wished 
to  rule  his  people  justly. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  this  from  his  own  words. 

How  did  he  pray  to  God  ? 

He  prayed  as  follows:  “  And  now,  0  Lord  God, 
Thou  hast  made  Thy  servant  king  instead  of  David 
my  father;  and  I  am  hut  a  child  and  know  not  how  to 


182  Greatness  of  Israel ,  from  David  to  Doboam. 

go  out  and  come  in.  .  .  .  Give  therefore  to  Thy  servant 
an  understanding  heart  to  judge  Thy  people  and  dis¬ 
cern  between  good  and  evil.'’ 

Which  virtues  did  the  prayer  of  Solomon  show? 

The  prayer  of  Solomon  showed  that  he  was  humble, 
faithful,  and  unselfish. 

How  did  it  show  that  he  was  humble  ? 

It  showed  that  he  was  humble  because  he  con¬ 
sidered  himself  unable  to  govern  the  Israelites  without 
God's  help. 

How  did  it  show  that  he  was  faithful? 

It  showed  that  he  was  faithful  because  he  wished 
to  govern  his  people  well. 

How  did  it  show  that  he  was  unselfish? 

It  showed  that  he  was  unselfish  because  he  prayed 
for  wisdom  in  order  to  benefit  others. 

How  did  God  reward  Solomon? 

God  rewarded  Solomon  by  granting  not  only  what 
he  had  asked  but  also  by  giving  him  riches  and  honors. 

What  did  God  promise  Solomon? 

God  promised  him  a  long  life. 

On  what  condition  did  God  promise  Solomon  a  long 
life? 

God  promised  him  a  long  life  on  condition  that  he 
would  keep  His  Commandments. 

Did  Solomon  give  a  proof  of  his  wisdom? 

Yes,  Solomon  gave  a  proof  of  his  wisdom  by  a 
certain  decision  he  made. 

What  was  the  dispute? 

Two  women  claimed  the  same  child. 


Solomon's  Prayer  and  Wisdom.  183 

As  the  child  could  not  belong  to  both,  what  sin 
did  one  commit? 

One  of  the  women  lied. 

Is  a  lie  always  a  mortal  sin? 

Yo,  a  lie  is  not  always  a  mortal  sin. 

Was  it  in  this  case? 

In  this  case  it  was  a  mortal  sin. 

Why  was  it  a  mortal  sin  in  this  case? 

It  was  a  mortal  sin  because  the  woman  not  only 
told  what  she  knew  to  he  untrue,  but  also  tried  by  the 
deception  to  obtain  what  belonged  to  another. 

If  she  had  obtained  the  child,  would  she  have  been 
obliged  to  restore  it? 

Yes,  she  would  have  been  obliged  to  restore  it. 

Mention  a  case  in  which  people  commit  a  mortal 
sin  by  lying. 

When  people  lie  about  their  age  in  order  to  enter 
an  insurance  society  they  commit  a  mortal  sin  and 
their  heirs  are  bound  to  restitution. 

Why  are  the  heirs  bound  to  make  restitution? 

They  are  bound  to  make  restitution  because  in  con¬ 
sequence  of  the  lie  they  obtained  what  does  not  belong 
to  them. 

How  did  Solomon  decide  the  dispute? 

Solomon  said:  “  Divide  the  living  child  in  two,  and 
give  half  to  the  one,  and  half  to  the  other." 

Why  did  Solomon  give  this  singular  decision? 

Solomon  knew  that  the  real  mother  would  not 
agree  to  this  plan. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  he  always  truthful 
and  honest;  (2),  To  ask  God  for  enlightenment  before 
we  undertake  anything  important. 


184  Greatness  of  Israel,  from  David  to  Roboam. 


LX.  THE  PROVERBS  OF  SOLOMON. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  is  contained  in  some  of  the 
proverbs  of  Solomon. 

What  do  the  proverbs  of  Solomon  contain  ? 

They  contain  short  rules  of  life,  warning  ns  to 
avoid  evil  and  encouraging  us  to  do  good. 

Against  which  sins  especially  do  the  proverbs  warn 
us? 

They  warn  us  against:  (1),  Pride;  (2),  Associating 
with  the  wicked;  (3),  The  sins  of  the  tongue;  (4), 
Anger. 

How  do  they  warn  us  against  pride? 

They  tell  us  that,  “  Pride  goeth  before  destruction; 
and  the  spirit  is  lifted  up  before  a  fall "  (Prow  xvi.  18). 

How  do  they  warn  us  against  associating  with  the 
wicked  ? 

They  warn  us  against  associating  with  the  wicked 
in  the  following  words:  “  My  son,  if  sinners  shall  en¬ 
tice  thee,  consent  not  to  them.”  “  My  son,  walk  not 
with  them,  restrain  thy  foot  from  their  paths.  For 
their  feet  run  to  evil,  and  make  haste  to  shed  blood” 
(Prov.  i.  15). 

How  do  they  warn  us  against  sins  of  the  tongue? 

They  tell  us:  “  lie  that  keepeth  his  mouth,  keepeth 
his  soul:  hut  he  that  hath  no  guard  on  his  speech  shall 
meet  with  evils ”  ( Prov.  xiii.  \\). 

Which  Commandment  forbids  the  sins  of  the 
tongue? 

The  eighth  Commandment  forbids  the  sins  of  the 
tongue. 


The  Proverbs  of  Solomon . 


185 


How  do  the  proverbs  warn  us  against  anger? 

They  tell  us:  “  As  coals  are  to  burning  coals,  and 
wood  to  fire,  so  an  angry  man  stirreth  up  strife  ” 
(Prov.  xxvi.  21). 

"Which  virtues  do  the  proverbs  recommend  ? 

They  recommend:  (1),  A  contrite  confession  of 
one’s  sins;  (2),  Industry;  (3),  Mildness;  (4),  Alms- 
deeds;  (5),  Forgiveness  of  one’s  enemies. 

How  do  they  recommend  a  contrite  confession  of 
one’s  sins? 

They  recommend  a  contrite  confession  of  one’s  sins 
in  the  following  words:  “  He  that  hideth  his  sins,  shall 
not  prosper:  but  he  that  shall  confess  and  forsake 
them,  shall  obtain  mercy  ”  (Prov.  xxviii.  13). 

How  do  they  recommend  industry? 

They  recommend  industry  in  the  following  words: 
“  Go  to  the  ant,  0  sluggard,  and  consider  her  ways  and 
learn  wisdom  ”  (Prov.  vi.  G). 

How  do  they  recommend  mildness? 

They  recommend  mildness  in  the  following  words: 
“  A  mild  answer  breaketh  wrath  ”  (Prov.  xv.  1). 

How  do  they  recommend  alms-deeds? 

They  recommend  alms-deeds  in  the  following 
words:  “He  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  lendeth  to 
the  Lord:  and  He  will  repay  him  ”  (Prov.  xix.  17). 

How  do  they  recommend  forgiveness  of  one’s 
enemies  ? 

They  recommend  forgiveness  of  one’s  enemies  in 
in  the  following  words:  “If  thy  enemy  be  hungry,  give 
him  to  eat:  if  he  thirst,  give  him  water  to  drink:  For 
thou  shalt  heap  hot  coals  upon  his  head,  and  the  Lord 
will  reward  thee”  (Prov.  xxv.  21). 


186  Greatness  of  Israel,  from  David  to  JRoboam . 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  follow  these  proverbs 
in  our  every-day  life. 

LXI.  THE  BUILDING  AND  CONSECRATION 

OF  THE  TEMPLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Solomon  built  and  consecrated  a 
temple  to  the  Lord. 

Who  had  made  preparations  for  building  the 
Temple  ? 

David  had  made  preparations  for  it. 

How  did  David  make  preparations  for  building  the 
Temple? 

David  made  preparations  for  building  the  Temple 
by  collecting  a  large  sum  of  money  for  that  purpose. 

What  plan  did  Solomon  follow  in  building  the 
Temple? 

He  built  it  after  the  plan  of  the  tabernacle. 

Where  did  Solomon  build  the  Temple? 

Solomon  built  the  Temple  on  Mount  Moria  in  Jeru¬ 
salem. 

Did  the  Temple  surpass  the  tabernacle? 

Yes,  the  Temple  far  surpassed  the  tabernacle  in 
size  and  grandeur. 

Why  did  Solomon  build  the  Temple? 

Solomon  built  the  Temple  in  order  to  have  a  place 
where  public  honor  could  be  paid  to  God. 

How  many  ways  may  we  honor  God? 

We  may  honor  God  interiorly  and  exteriorly. 


The  Building  and  Consecration  of  the  Temjple .  187 

How  do  we  honor  God  interiorly? 

We  honor  God  interiorly  by  all  kinds  of  mental 
prayer. 

How  do  we  honor  God  exteriorly? 

We  honor  God  exteriorly  by  vocal  prayer,  all  good 
acts,  and  sacrifice. 

Why  must  man  honor  God  interiorly  and  ex¬ 
teriorly  ? 

Man  must  honor  God  interiorly  and  exteriorly  be¬ 
cause  he  is  composed  of  a  soul  and  a  body. 

How  do  our  churches  differ  from  the  Jewish 
Temple  ? 

In  our  churches  Jesus  Christ  is  truly  present  in  the 
Sacrament  of  the  Altar:  in  the  Jewish  Temple  God  was 
present  in  a  particular  manner  under  a  visible  sign,  a 
cloud. 

How  did  Solomon  consecrate  the  Temple? 

Solomon  consecrated  the  Temple:  (1),  By  having 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  carried  in  triumph  into  the 
Temple;  (2),  By  offering  up  a  prayer. 

Repeat  Solomon’s  prayer. 

Solomon  prayed  as  follows:  “  0  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
there  is  no  God  like  Thee  in  heaven  or  on  earth.  .  .  . 
If  heaven  and  the  heavens  of  heavens  cannot  contain 
Thee,  how  much  less  this  house,  which  I  have  built. 
.  .  .  0  Lord  my  God,  hear  the  prayers  which  Thy  serv¬ 
ant  poureth  out  before  Thee,  that  Thou  mayest  open 
Thy  eyes  upon  this  house  day  and  night.  .  .  .  That 
Thou  wouldst  hear  the  prayer,  which  Thy  servant 
prayeth  in  it  [to  Thee].  Mayest  Thou  hearken  to  Thy 
people  when  they  pray  in  this  place  to  Thee,  mayest 
Thou  hear  them  and  show  them  mercy.” 


188  Greatness  of  Israel,  from  David  to  Doboam. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  behave  with  due  rever¬ 
ence  in  church,  for  it  is  the  house  of  God. 

LXII.  SOLOMON’S  MAGNIFICENCE  AND  FALL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Solomon’s  reign  was  glorious,  but 
that  he  fell  into  grievous  sins  and  was  punished  by 
God. 

In  what  did  the  glory  of  Solomon’s  reign  consist? 

The  glory  of  Solomon’s  reign  consisted:  (1),  In  the 
wonderful  growth  and  extent  of  the  kingdom:  it 
reached  from  the  Euphrates  to  the  confines  of  Egypt; 
(2),  In  the  prosperity  and  peace  whicli  prevailed 
throughout  the  land;  (3),  In  the  admiration  and  honor 
which  the  nations  paid  to  the  wisdom  of  the  king. 

Why  was  Solomon’s  reign  so  glorious? 

Solomon’s  reign  was  so  glorious  because  he  feared 
God. 

Did  Solomon  continue  to  fear  God? 

No,  he  became  blinded  by  riches  and  honors  and 
fell  into  grievous  sins. 

What  sins  did  Solomon  commit? 

Solomon  committed  the  following  sins:  (1),  He 
took  to  himself  heathen  wives;  (2),  He  fell  into 
idolatry;  (3),  He  gave  scandal  to  all  the  people  of 
Israel. 

How  do  we  sin  against  faith? 

We  sin  against  faith:  (1),  By  not  trying  to  learn 
what  God  has  taught;  (2),  By  refusing  to  believe  all 


Solo7non's  Magnificence  and  Fall.  189 

that  God  has  taught;  (3),  By  wilfully  doubting  what 
God  has  taught;  (4),  By  refusing  to  profess  our  belief 
in  what  God  has  taught. 

What  sin  against  faith  did  Solomon  commit  ? 

Solomon  refused  to  profess  his  belief  in  what  God 
had  taught;  he  denied  his  faith. 

How  did  God  punish  Solomon  for  his  sins? 

God  announced  to  Solomon  that  He  would  divide 
the  kingdom,  and  give  a  part  of  it  to  one  of  his  serv¬ 
ants. 

Of  whom  was  Solomon  a  type? 

Solomon  was  a  type  of  Christ.  Solomon  was  a 
prince  of  peace,  so  is  Christ;  Solomon  was  gifted 
with  wonderful  wisdom,  Christ  is  the  eternal  Wisdom; 
Solomon  received  homage  from  the  eastern  queen  of 
Saba,  Christ  received  homage  from  the  Wise  Men  of 
the  East;  Solomon  built  a  Temple,  Christ  established 
a  Church. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  shun  the  com¬ 
pany  of  the  wicked;  (2),  To  he  content  with  our  lot  in 
life;  (3),  To  detach  our  hearts  from  the  things  of  this 
earth. 


THE  DECLINE  OF  THE  PEOPLE  OF 

ISRAEL. 


LXIII.  THE  DIVISION  OF  THE  KINGDOM. 

What  is  related  in  this  lesson? 

It  is  related  that  the  kingdom  of  Solomon,  after 
his  death,  was  divided  into  Israel  and  Juda. 

What  was  the  immediate  cause  of  the  division? 

The  immediate  cause  of  the  division  was  the  op¬ 
pression  of  the  people  by  Roboam. 

Who  was  Roboam? 

Roboam  was  the  son  of  Solomon. 

Was  Roboam  a  good  king? 

No,  he  was  proud,  frivolous,  and  cruel. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  proud? 

We  know  that  he  was  proud  because  he  despised 
the  advice  of  old  and  experienced  men. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  frivolous? 

We  know  that  he  was  frivolous  because  he  sought 
and  followed  the  advice  of  young  and  inexperienced 
flatterers. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  cruel? 

We  know  that  he  was  cruel  because  when  the 
people  asked  to  be  relieved  of  some  of  the  burdens 

190 


The  Division  of  the  Kingdom . 


191 


Solomon  had  laid  upon  them,  he  said:  “  My  father 
made  your  yoke  heavy,  but  I  will  add  to  your  yoke; 
my  father  beat  you  with  whips,  but  I  will  beat  you 
with  scorpions.” 

What  happened  in  consequence  of  his  behavior? 

In  consequence  of  his  behavior  the  ten  tribes  re¬ 
volted. 

Which  tribes  remained  loyal  to  Roboam? 

The  tribes  of  Juda  and  Benjamin  remained  loyal. 

What  was  the  name  of  the  kingdom  of  Roboam? 

The  kingdom  of  Roboam  was  called  Juda. 

What  was  the  capital? 

The  capital  of  Juda  was  Jerusalem. 

Whom  did  the  ten  tribes  make  king? 

The  ten  tribes  made  Jeroboam,  a  former  servant 
of  Solomon,  king. 

What  was  the  name  of  the  kingdom  of  Jeroboam? 

The  name  of  the  kingdom  of  Jeroboam  was  Israel. 

What  was  the  capital  of  Israel? 

The  capital  of  Israel  was  Samaria. 

What  great  sin  did  Roboam  commit? 

He  led  the  people  into  idolatry. 

What  sin  do  we  commit  when  we  are  the  occasion 
of  another’s  sin? 

The  sin  we  commit  when  we  are  the  occasion  of 
another’s  sin  is  called  scandal. 

What  considerations  should  deter  us  from  giving 
scandal  ? 

The  following  considerations  should  deter  us  from 
giving  scandal:  (1),  The  thought  that  we  are  doing 
the  work  of  Satan  and  destroying  a  soul  purchased  by 


192  The  Decline  of  the  People  of  Israel. 

the  precious  blood  of  Christ;  (2),  The  terrible  punish¬ 
ments  with  which  Christ  has  threatened  the  scandal- 
giver. 

Which  attributes  of  God  does  this  lesson  show? 

It  shows  ITis  faithfulness  and  justice. 

How  does  it  show  that  God  is  faithful? 

It  shows  that  God  is  faithful,  because  He  carried 
out  the  threat  to  punish  Solomon. 

How  does  it  show  that  He  is  just? 

It  shows  that  God  is  just  because  He  punished 
Roboam  and  Jeroboam  for  their  sins. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  follow  the  advice  of 
older,  experienced  persons,  especially  our  parents, 
pastors,  and  teachers. 

LXIV.  THE  PROPHETS.— GOD  SENDS  THE 

PROPHET  ELIAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  raised  up  holy  men,  called 
prophets,  and  that  Elias  prophesied  a  famine  and  per¬ 
formed  many  miracles. 

What  were  the  prophets? 

The  prophets  were  men  inspired  by  God  to  an¬ 
nounce  His  will  to  men,  and  to  foretell  the  future. 

What  was  the  particular  office  of  the  prophets? 

The  particular  office  of  the  prophets  was:  (1),  To 
confirm  the  people  and  kings  of  Israel  in  their  faith  in 
one  God,  and  to  admonish  them  to  do  penance;  (2),  By 
their  example  and  prophecies  to  prepare  the  people  for 
the  coming  of  the  Mcssias. 


God  Sends  the  Prophet  Elias.  193 

What  did  the  prophets  prophesy  concerning  the 
Messias? 

They  prophesied:  (1),  The  time  and  place  of  His 
birth;  (2),  The  circumstances  of  His  life,  sufferings,  and 
death;  (3),  His  Resurrection  and  Ascension;  (1),  The 
establishment  of  His  Church  and  its  perpetuity. 

How  did  the  prophets  prove  their  divine  mission? 

The  prophets  proved  their  divine  mission  by 
miracles. 

To  whom  was  the  prophet  Elias  sent? 

Elias  was  sent  to  King  Achab. 

For  what  purpose  was  he  sent? 

He  was  sent  to  admonish  the  king  to  do  penance. 

What  sins  had  Achab  committed? 

Achab  had:  (1)?  Taken  a  heathen  to  wife;  (2),  He 
had  introduced  idolatry  into  the  kingdom;  (3),  He 
wished  to  abolish  the  worship  of  the  one  true  God. 

How  did  he  proceed  to  introduce  idolatry? 

He  erected  a  temple  to  the  idol  Baal,  and  appointed 
four  hundred  and  fifty  heathen  priests. 

How  did  he  try  to  abolish  the  religion  of  the  one 
true  God? 

He  tried  to  abolish  the  religion  of  the  one  true  God 
by  having  the  priests  of  the  Lord  put  to  death. 

How  did  Elias  try  to  bring  Achab  back  to  the  re¬ 
ligion  of  the  one  true  God? 

He  tried  to  bring  him  back  by  prophesying  a.  three 
years’  drought. 

Why  did  Elias  prophesy  a  drought  to  induce  Achab 
to  believe  in  one  God? 

Elias  prophesied  a  drought  for  all  Israel,  so  that 


194 


The  Decline  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


Achab  might  see,  when  the  prophecy  was  fulfilled,  that 
the  God  of  Elias  withheld  the  rain. 

How  did  Achab  receive  the  prophecy? 

Achab  grew  very  angry,  and  sought  to  put  Elias  to 
death. 

What  did  the  Lord  command  Elias? 

The  Lord  commanded  Elias  to  conceal  himself  near 
the  brook  Carith. 

How  did  Elias  obtain  food? 

lie  was  fed  by  two  ravens. 

Whither  did  Elias  proceed  when  the  brook  Carith 
ran  dry? 

lie  proceeded  to  Sarephta,  a  village  between  Tyre 
and  Sidon. 

Whom  did  he  meet  there? 

He  met  a  poor  widow  who  gave  him  shelter,  and  oil 
and  meal  from  her  scanty  store. 

How  did  God  prepare  the  heathens  for  the  coming 
Redeemer? 

God  prepared  the  heathens  for  the  coming  Re¬ 
deemer  by  bringing  them  in  contact  with  the  Jews,  by 
extraordinary  men  and  methods. 

How  did  God  reward  the  widow  of  Sarephta  ? 

God  rewarded  her:  (1),  By  miraculously  multiply¬ 
ing  her  meal  and  oil;  (2),  By  raising  her  dead  son  to 
life  through  Elias. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  thank  God  before 
and  after  meals;  (2)^  To  trust  in  God. 


The  Sacrifice  of  Elias. 


195 


LXV.  THE  SACRIFICE  OF  ELIAS. 

What  is  related  in  this  lesson  ? 

It  is  related  that  Elias  commanded  Achab  and  his 
people  to  return  to  God,  and  that  he  called  down  fire 
from  heaven  to  consume  his  offering,  and  rain  to  re¬ 
lieve  the  land. 

How  did  Elias  command  Achab  to  return  to  God? 

Elias  reminded  Achab  of  his  sins,  and  showed  him 
that  they  were  the  cause  of  the  affliction  that  had  come 
over  the  land. 

What  did  Elias  say  to  Achab? 

He  said:  “  I  have  not  troubled  Israel,  but  thou  and 
thy  father’s  house,  who  have  forsaken  the  command¬ 
ments  of  the  Lord,  and  have  followed  Baalim.” 

How  did  Elias  try  to  induce  the  people  to  return  to 
God? 

He  proposed  an  ordeal  to  them. 

In  what  was  the  ordeal  to  consist? 

Elias  and  the  heathen  priests  were  to  erect  two 
separate  altars,  and  place  on  each  a  bullock  for  sacri¬ 
fice.  Then  Elias  was  to  pray  to  God  for  fire  to  con¬ 
sume  the  sacrifice,  and  likewise  the  heathen  priests 
were  to  call  on  Baal  to  consume  his  sacrifice,  and 
whosesoever  sacrifice  was  consumed,  his  was  to  be  ac¬ 
knowledged  the  true  God. 

Did  the  people  agree  to  this  ordeal  ? 

Yes,  they  agreed  to  this  ordeal  most  willingly. 

How  did  the  heathen  priests  carry  out  their  part 
of  the  agreement? 

They  erected  an  altar,  placed  an  ox  upon  it,  and 


106  The  Decline  of  (he  People  of  Israel. 

danced  around  it,  while  they  cried  out:  “  Baal,  hear 
us.-’ 

How  did  Elias  keep  his  part  of  the  agreement? 

He  erected  an  altar,  placed  an  ox  upon  it,  and 
poured  water  upon  it. 

Why  did  he  pour  water  upon  it? 

He  poured  water  upon  the  altar  to  show  the  people 
that  the  fire  could  not  proceed  from  any  natural  cause. 

How  did  Elias  pray? 

Elias  prayed:  “O  I/ml  God,  show  this  day  that 
Thou  art  the  God  of  Israel,  and  I  Thy  servant,  and  that 
according  to  Thy  commandment  I  have  done  all  these 
things.  Hear  me,  0  Lord,  hear  me:  that  this  people 
may  learn  that  Thou  art  the  Lord  God,  and  that  Thou 
hast  turned  their  heart  again. *’ 

Whose  prayer  was  heard? 

The  prayer  of  Elias  was  heard. 

How  did  God  show  that  He  heard  the  prayer  of 
Elias? 

He  showed  that  He  heard  the  prayer  of  Elias  by 
sendingdown  fire  from  heaven  to  consume  the  offering. 

What  impression  did  this  miracle  make  on  the 
people? 

They  believed  again  in  the  true  God. 

Did  God  hear  another  prayer  of  Elias? 

Yes,  Elias  prayed  for  rain,  and  God  granted  it. 

What  is  prayer? 

Prayer  is  the  lifting  up  of  our  hearts  to  God  to 
praise  or  to  thank  Him,  or  to  ask  something  for  the 
soul  or  body. 

When  especially  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  especially  on  Sundays  and  holy 


Sins  and  Punishment  of  Jezabel  and  Achab .  197 

days,  every  morning  and  night,  in  all  dangers,  tempta¬ 
tions,  and  afflictions. 

Which  are  the  principal  fruits  of  prayer? 

Prayer  (1),  Ennobles  our  heart  and  mind  and  unites 
them  with  God;  (2),  It  strengthens  us  against  tempta¬ 
tion  and  encourages  us  to  do  good;  (3),  It  affords  con¬ 
solation  in  trouble,  obtains  help  in  necessity,  and  the 
grace  of  perseverance. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  recourse  to  God  in 
prayer  in  time  of  trouble  and  need. 

LXVI.  THE  SINS  AND  PUNISHMENT  OF 
JEZABEL  AND  ACIIAB. 

What  is  related  in  this  lesson? 

It  is  related  that  God  punished  Achab  and  Jezabel 
for  their  sins. 

What  sin  did  Achab  commit? 

Achab  committed  the  sin  of  covetousness. 

How  do  we  sin  by  covetousness? 

We  sin  by  covetousness  by  being  unduly  attached  to 
money  and  worldly  goods. 

How  did  Achab  happen  to  commit  this  sin? 

He  coveted  the  vineyard  of  a  man  named  Naboth. 

To  what  class  of  sin  does  covetousness  belong? 

It  belongs  to  the  seven  capital  sins. 

Mention  the  seven  capital  sins. 

Pride,  Covetousness,  Lust,  Anger,  Gluttony,  Envy, 
and  Sloth. 

Why  are  they  called  capital  sins? 

They  are  called  capital  from  the  Latin  word  caput , 


198 


The  Decline  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


meaning  head  or  source;  they  are  the  source  whence  all 
other  sins  proceed. 

Which  sins  proceeded  from  Achab’s  covetousness? 

From  Achab’s  covetousness  proceeded  the  sins  of 
anger,  robbery,  and  murder. 

How  do  we  sin  by  anger? 

We  sin  by  anger  as  often  as  we  lose  control  of  our 
temper  so  as  to  curse,  swear,  or  abuse  others. 

How  did  Achab  sin  by  anger? 

Achab  sinned  by  anger  by  throwing  himself  on  the 
bed,  turning  his  face  to  the  wall,  and  refusing  to  eat. 

How  was  Achab  guilty  of  murder? 

Achab  was  guilty  of  murder  because  he  was  acces¬ 
sory  by  silence  to  the  sin  of  his  wife. 

When  are  we  guilty  of  robbery  or  theft? 

We  are  guilty  of  robbery  or  theft:  (1),  As  often  as 
we  take,  or  help  others  take,  what  belongs  to  another; 
(2),  As  often  as  we  buy  what  has  been  stolen,  refuse 
to  give  to  its  owner  what  we  have  found,  or  to  pay  our 
lawful  debts. 

Why  was  Achab  guilty  of  robbery? 

Achab  was  guilty  of  robbery  because  he  took  by 
force  what  belonged  to  another — Naboth’s  vineyard. 

What  sins  did  Jezabel,  the  wife  of  Achab,  commit? 

Jezabel  committed  the  following  sins:  (1),  She 
calumniated  Naboth;  (2),  She  induced  the  Ancients 
and  chief  men  of  the  city  to  do  an  act  of  injustice,  and 
to  take  a  false  oath;  (3),  She  was  a  party  to  the  murder 
of  Naboth. 

When  are  we  guilty  of  calumny? 

We  are  guilty  of  calumny  when  we  ascribe  to  an- 


Sins  and  Punishment  of  Jezabel  and  Achab.  199 

other  faults  which  he  does  not  possess  or  exaggerate  his 
actual  faults. 

Of  what  crimes  did  Jezabel  falsely  accuse  Naboth? 

She  accused  him  of  blasphemy  and  disrespect  to  the 
king. 

How  did  Jezabel  lead  the  Ancients  to  do  an 
injustice? 

Jezabel  had  the  Ancients  put  Naboth  to  death  be¬ 
cause  of  the  false  charges. 

How  did  she  lead  them  to  commit  perjury? 

She  led  the  Ancients  to  commit  perjury  because  she 
had  them  bribe  others  to  swear  falsely  against  Naboth. 

What  are  we  to  think  of  one  who  takes  a  false 
oath? 

He  who  takes  a  false  oath  is  guilty  of  one  of  the 
greatest  crimes. 

Why  is  perjury  one  of  the  greatest  crimes? 

Perjury  is  one  of  the  greatest  crimes  because:  (1), 
It  ridicules  the  all-knowledge  and  holiness  of  God;  (2), 
It  calls  down  His  curse;  (3),  It  is  frequently  the  cause 
of  another’s  loss  or  injury. 

How  did  God  punish  Achab  and  Jezabel  for  their 
sins? 

God  punished  Achab  and  Jezabel  for  their  sins  by 
sending  them  a  sudden  and  unprovided  death. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  banish  at  once  from  our 
heart  every  covetous  thought,  and  under  no  circum¬ 
stances  to  take  a  false  oath. 


200  The  Decline  of  ike  People  of  Israel. 

LXYII.  GOD  SENDS  THE  PROPHET  ELISEUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  chose  the  prophet  Eliseus,  and 
gave  him  power  to  perform  many  miracles. 

How  did  God  confirm  his  call  to  the  office  of 
prophet? 

God  confirmed  his  call  to  the  office  of  prophet  by 
punishing  some  boys  who  mocked  him. 

Of  what  sins  were  the  boys  guilty? 

They  were  guilty  of  disrespect  to  old  age  and  to 
God’s  representative. 

How  should  young  people  behave  towards  the  aged? 

Young  people  should  respect  the  aged,  treat  them 
with  courtesy  and  never  ridicule  them. 

How  do  we  sin  against  secular  or  ecclesiastical  au¬ 
thority  ? 

We  sin  against  secular  or  ecclesiastical  authority: 
(1),  By  criticising  our  lawful  superiors  and  speaking 
contemptuously  of  them;  (2),  By  opposing  them  and 
openly  refusing  to  obey  them. 

What  miracles  did  Eliseus  perform? 

Eliseus  cured  Naaman  of  his  leprosy,  and  punished 
his  servant  Giezi  on  account  of  his  sins. 

How  did  he  cure  Naaman? 

Eliseus  said  to  Naaman:  “  Go  and  wash  seven 
times  in  the  Jordan,  and  thy  flesh  shall  recover  health 
and  thou  shalt  be  clean.” 

Of  what  is  leprosy  a  picture  ? 

Leprosy  is  a  picture  of  sin. 


God  Sends  the  Prophet  Eliseus. 


201 


How  are  we  cleansed  from  mortal  sins  ? 

We  are-  cleansed  from  mortal  sins  by  two  sacra¬ 
ments,  Baptism  and  Penance. 

What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament  which  cleanses  us  from 
original  sin,  makes  us  Christians,  children  of  God,  and 
heirs  of  heaven. 

What  is  penance  ? 

Penance  is  a  sacrament  which  remits  the  sins  com¬ 
mitted  after  Baptism. 

Of  which  sins  was  Giezi  guilty? 

Giezi  lied  to  Naaman  and  Eliseus. 

What  did  Giezi  say  to  Naaman? 

After  Naaman  had  gone  a  short  distance,  Giezi  fol¬ 
lowed  him  and  told  him  that  two  sons  of  the  prophet 
had  just  arrived,  and  asked  Naaman  for  money  and 
clothes  for  them. 

What  did  Giezi  say  on  his  return  to  Eliseus  ? 

Eliseus  asked  Giezi  on  his  return  where  he  had 
been,  and  he  replied  nowhere. 

How  did  God  punish  Giezi  for  his  sins? 

God  punished  him  through  the  prophet,  who  caused 
him  to  he  covered  with  leprosy. 

How  did  Eliseus  glorify  God  even  after  death? 

A  dead  man  was  raised  to  life  by  touching  the  relics 
of  the  dead  Eliseus. 

Why  do  we  honor  the  relics  of  saints  ? 

We  honor  the  relics  of  saints:  (1),  Because  they  be¬ 
longed  to  the  saints ;  and  (2),  Because  God  has  often 
wrought  miracles  through  them. 


202  The  Decline  of  the  People  of  Israel. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  Not  to  mock  old  peo¬ 
ple;  (2),  Always  to  be  truthful. 

LXVIII.  THE  PROPHET  JONAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  Jonas  sinned,  and  was  pun¬ 
ished  by  God;  (2),  That  he  preached  penance  to  the  in¬ 
habitants  of  the  pagan  city  of  Ninive;  (3),  That  the 
Ninivites  were  converted. 

Of  what  sin  was  Jonas  guilty? 

Jonas  was  guilty  of  disobedience. 

In  what  did  his  disobedience  consist? 

God  bad  commanded  Jonas  to  preach  penance  to 
the  Ninivites,  but  he  refused. 

Where  was  Ninive? 

Ninive  was  a  city  in  Assyria  on  the  river  Tigris. 

How  did  God  command  Jonas? 

God  said  to  him:  “  Arise,  and  go  to  Ninive,  the 
great  city^  and  preach  in  it;  for  the  wickedness  thereof 
is  come  up  before  Me.” 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  expression  “  the 
wickedness  thereof  is  come  up  before  Me  ”  ? 

It  means  that  the  sins  of  the  Ninivites  were  so 
many  and  great  that  God  was  obliged  to  punish  them. 

Which  attributes  did  God  show  in  Jonas? 

God  showed  in  Jonas  His  justice  and  His  mercy. 

How  did  God  punish  Jonas? 

God  caused  him  to  be  thrown  into  the  sea  and  to  be 
swallowed  by  a  whale. 


The  Prophet  Jonas . 


203 


How  did  God  show  mercy  to  Jonas? 

God  showed  mercy  to  Jonas  by  keeping  him  alive 
three  days  in  the  whale’s  belly. 

Did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  the  prophet  ? 

Yes,  for  on  the  third  day  the  whale  cast  Jonas 
ashore. 

What  did  Jonas  do  when  God  commanded  him  a 
second  time  to  preach  to  the  Ninivites? 

Jonas  obeyed  at  once. 

What  success  did  Jonas  have  among  the  Ninivites? 

He  converted  them. 

What  works  of  penance  did  they  perform? 

They  fasted  and  prayed. 

Why  should  we  fast  and  abstain? 

We  should  fast  and  abstain:  (1),  To  follow  the  ex¬ 
ample  of  Christ  and  His  saints;  (2),  To  do  penance  for 
our  sins;  (3),  To  conquer  our  wicked  passions;  (4),  To 
show  our  obedience  to  our  holy  Mother  the  Church. 

Did  God  pardon  the  sins  of  the  Ninivites? 

Yes,  God  pardoned  their  sins. 

How  do  we  know  that  God  pardoned  the  sins  of  the 
Ninivites  ? 

We  know  that  God  pardoned  their  sins  because  He 
did  not  punish  them  as  He  had  threatened. 

Of  whom  was  Jonas  a  type? 

Jonas  was  a  type  of  Christ.  Jonas  was  three  days 
in  the  whale’s  belly,  Christ  was  three  days  in  the 
sepulchre.  On  the  third  day  Jonas  was  cast  ashore, 
on  the  third  day  Christ  rose  glorious  from  the  dead. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  do  works  of  penance 
and  mortification,  especially  in  Lent. 


FINAL  OVERTHROW  OF  THE  KING- 
DOM  OF  ISRAEL,  722  B.C. 


LXIX.  TOBIAS  IX  THE  ASSYRIAX 
CAPTIVITY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  overthrow  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel, 
and  the  virtues  of  Tobias. 

Why  was  the  kingdom  of  Israel  overthrown? 

The  kingdom  of  Israel  was  overthrown  because  the 
Israelites  grew  more  and  more  wicked  every  day,  and 
paid  no  heed  to  God’s  warning. 

Which  were  the  principal  vices  of  the  Israelites  ? 

The  principal  vices  of  the  Israelites  were  idolatry, 
impurity,  intemperance,  and  cruelty. 

Through  whom  did  God  admonish  .them  to  do 
penance? 

God  admonished  them  through  the  prophets. 

How  did  they  receive  the  admonitions  of  the 
prophets? 

They  remained  hardened  in  their  sins. 

What  other  sin  did  they  commit  by  so  doing? 

They  committed  a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost;  that 
is,  they  resisted  stubbornly  the  grace  of  God. 

201 


Tobias  in  the  Assyrian  Cajptivity.  205 

Whom  did  God  select  to  destroy  the  kingdom  of 
Israel  ? 

God  selected  Salmanasar,  a  king  of  Assyria,  to 
destroy  the  kingdom  of  Israel. 

How  did  Salmanasar  destroy  the  kingdom  of  Israel  ? 

Salmanasar  besieged  and  took  the  city  of  Samaria, 
carried  off  the  inhabitants,  and  peopled  their  land  with 
pagans. 

How  long  had  the  kingdom  of  Israel  lasted? 

The  kingdom  of  Israel  had  lasted  two  hundred  and 
fifty-three  years  (975-722  b.c.). 

Through  whom  did  God  show  mercy  to  the  Israel¬ 
ites? 

God  showed  mercy  to  the  Israelites  through  Tobias. 

What  works  did  Tobias  practise  in  captivity? 

He  practised  the  corporal  and  spiritual  works  of 
mercy. 

Which  of  the  corporal  works  of  mercy  did  he 
practise  ? 

He  gave  food  to  the  hungry,  clothed  the  naked,  and 
buried  the  dead. 

Which  of  the  spiritual  works  of  mercy  did  he 
practise  ? 

He  comforted  the  afflicted  in  captivity. 

How  did  God  show  His  wisdom  in  bringing  about 
the  captivity  of  the  Israelites? 

God  made  use  of  the  Israelites  in  captivity  to  keep 
alive  among  the  heathens  the  idea  of  a  coming  Re¬ 
deemer. 


206  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel. 

What  does  the  history  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel 
show? 

The  history  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel  shows  that 
the  nation  that  falls  off  from  God  will  soon  decay. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  heed  the  warning  of 
God  to  turn  back  from  sin,  and  do  penance. 

LXX.  THE  PARTING  ADVICE  OF  THE  OLDER 

TOBIAS,  AND  THE  DEPARTURE  OF  THE 

YOUNGER. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  advice  of  the  older  Tobias  to  bis  son, 
and  the  young  man's  departure  with  the  archangel 
Raphael. 

Which  virtues  did  Tobias  recommend  to  his  son? 

He  recommended  filial  love,  fear  of  God,  justice, 
brotherly  love,  alms-deeds,  and  trust  in  God. 

When  did  he  recommend  filial  love? 

He  recommended  filial  love  when  he  said  to  his  son: 
“  When  God  shall  take  my  soul,  thou  shalt  bury  my 
body;  and  thou  shalt  honor  thy  mother  all  the  days  of 
her  life.” 

When  did  Tobias  recommend  the  fear  of  God? 

He  recommended  the  fear  of  God  when  he  said  to 
his  son:  “  And  all  the  days  of  thy  life  have  God  in  thy 
mind;  and  take  heed  thou  never  consent  to  sin,  nor 
transgress  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  our  God.” 

When  did  he  recommend  justice? 

He  recommended  justice  when  he  said:  “If  any 
man  hath  done  any  work  for  thee,  immediately  pay  him 
his  hire.” 


The  Parting  Advice  of  the  Older  Tobias.  207 

When  did  he  recommend  brotherly  love  ? 

He  recommended  brotherly  love  when  he  said:  “  See 
thou  never  do  to  another  what  thou  wouldst  hate  to 
have  done  to  thee  by  another.” 

When  did  he  recommend  alms-deeds  ? 

He  recommended  alms-deeds  when  he  said:  “  If 
thou  have  much,  give  abundantly:  if  thou  have  little, 
take  care  even  so  to  bestow  willingly  a  little.” 

When  did  he  recommend  trust  in  God? 

He  recommended  trust  in  God  when  he  said:  “  Fear 
not,  my  son:  we  lead  indeed  a  poor  life,  but  we  shall 
have  many  good  things  if  we  fear  God,  and  depart  from 
all  sin  and  do  that  which  is  good.” 

Against  which  sins  especially  did  Tobias  warn  his 
son? 

He  warned  him  especially  against  impurity  and 
pride. 

When  did  he  warn  him  against  impurity  ? 

He  warned  him  against  impurity  when  he  said: 
“  Take  heed  to  keep  thyself,  my  son,  from  all  fornica¬ 
tion.” 

Why  should  we  guard  especially  against  impurity? 

We  should  guard  especially  against  impurity  be¬ 
cause  it  is  a  most  shameful  sin  and  leads  to  evil  con¬ 
sequences. 

What  means  should  we  employ  to  guard  against 
impurity  ? 

(1),  We  should  shun  bad  company  and  all  occasions 
of  sin;  (2),  We  should  recommend  ourselves  to  God  and 
the  Blessed  Virgin  in  temptation;  (3),  We  should 
always  remember  that  God  sees  all  things,  and  that  we 
may  die  at  any  moment;  (4),  We  should  receive  the 
sacraments  frequently. 


208  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel . 

When  did  Tobias  warn  his  son  against  pride? 

He  warned  him  against  pride  when  he  said:  “  Never 
suffer  pride  to  reign  in  thy  mind  or  in  thy  words:  for 
from  it  all  perdition  took  its  beginning.” 

How  do  we  sin  by  pride? 

We  sin  by  pride  as  often  as  we  attribute  to  our¬ 
selves  good  qualities  which  we  do  not  possess,  refuse 
to  give  God  credit  for  them,  or  despise  our  fellow-men. 

How  did  the  younger  Tobias  receive  the  advice  of 
his  father? 

He  received  his  advice  with  obedience  and  humility. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  it  from  his  answer  to  his  father:  “  I  will 
do  all  things,  father,  which  thou  hast  commended  me.” 

What  may  children  who  keep  the  fourth  Command¬ 
ment  expect? 

Children  who  keep  the  fourth  Commandment  may 
expect  long  life  and  happiness  in  this  world  and  eternal 
happiness  in  the  life  to  come. 

Whom  did  God  send  to  protect  the  younger  Tobias? 

God  sent  the  archangel  Raphael  to  protect  him. 

How  did  the  archangel  Raphael  protect  Tobias? 

The  archangel  Raphael  accompanied  him  to  Rages, 
and  defended  him  from  all  danger  on  the  way. 

How  did  God  reward  the  younger  Tobias  for  his 
filial  love? 

God  procured  for  him,  through  the  archangel 
Raphael,  a  God-fearing  wife. 

How  did  Tobias  and  his  wife  prepare  themselves  to 
enter  the  state  of  matrimony  ? 

They  prepared  themselves  by  prayer.. 


Tobias'  Return  Home . 


209 


How  should  Christians  prepare  for  a  holy  and  happy 
marriage  ? 

Christians  should  prepare  for  a  holy  and  happy 
marriage  by  seeking  the  advice  of  their  parents,  and 
the  blessing  of  their  pastors;  by  begging  God  to  grant 
them  a  pure  intention,  and  to  direct  their  choice;  and 
by  receiving  the  Sacraments  of  Penance  and  Holy 
Eucharist. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  heed  the  advice  of  our 
parents,  and  to  follow  the  inspiration  of  our  guardian 
angel. 


LXXI.  TOBIAS’  RETURN  HOME. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  return  home  of  the  young  Tobias, 
and  the  departure  of  the  archangel  Raphael. 

How  did  God  reward  the  pious  parents  of  Tobias  ? 

God  brought  their  son  back  rich  and  happily  mar¬ 
ried,  and  restored  his  eyesight  to  the  elder  Tobias. 

Through  whom  did  God  confer  these  favors  on 
them? 

God  conferred  these  favors  through  the  archangel 
Raphael. 

What  did  the  archangel  say  when  taking  leave  of 
Tobias? 

The  angel  admonished  Tobias  to  give  thanks  to  God 
and  perform  good  works. 

How  did  he  admonish  Tobias  to  return  thanks  to 
God? 

He  said  to  Tobias:  “  Bless  ye  the  God  of  heaven, 


210  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel. 

give  glory  to  Him  in  the  sight  of  all  that  live,,  because 
He  hath  showed  His  mercy  to  you/’ 

Which  good  works  did  the  angel  admonish  Tobias 
to  perform? 

He  admonished  him  to  pray,  fast,  and  give  alms. 

Which  good  works  especially  are  recommended  in 
Holy  Scripture? 

In  Holy  Scripture  are  recommended  especially 
prayer,,  fasting,  and  alms-deeds. 

When  particularly  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  particularly  on  Sundays  and  holy- 
days  of  obligation,  morning  and  night,  before  and  after 
meals,  and  in  all  dangers,  temptations,  and  afflictions. 

How  can  we  help  the  poor  and  afflicted? 

We  can  help  the  poor  and  afflicted  by  performing 
the  spiritual  and  corporal  works  of  mercy. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  return  thanks  to 
God  morning  and  night,  before  and  after  meals;  (2), 
To  keep  the  fast  and  abstinence  days;  (3),  To  give 
alms  freelv. 

%i 

LXXII.  THE  PROPHETS  JOEL  AXD  MICHEAS. 
What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  prophets  Joel  and  Micheas 
preached  and  prophesied  to  the  people  of  the  kingdom 
of  Juda. 

What  did  the  prophet  Joel  preach? 

Joel  preached  contrition,  or  sorrow  for  sin. 

What  kind  of  contrition  did  he  preach? 

J oel  preached  interior  contrition. 


The  Prophets  Joel  and  Micheas.  211 

How  do  we  know  that  he  preached  interior  contri¬ 
tion? 

We  know  from  his  words  that  he  preached  interior 
contrition;  he  said:  “Rend  your  hearts,  and  not  your 
garments.” 

When  is  our  contrition  interior? 

Our  contrition  is  interior  when  it  comes  from  the 
heart,  and  not  merely  from  the  lips. 

How  did  Joel  call  attention  to  his  preaching? 

Joel  called  attention  to  his  preaching  by  foretelling 
the  conquest  and  destruction  of  the  nation  by  the 
Babylonians,  and  reminding  the  people  of  the  mercy  of 

God. 

How  did  Micheas  call  attention  to  his  preaching? 

Micheas  called  attention  to  his  preaching  by  proph¬ 
esying  the  conquest  of  Juda  and  the  destruction  of 
Jerusalem. 

What  did  Micheas  prophesy  concerning  Our  Re¬ 
deemer? 

Micheas  prophesied  that  He  would  be  horn  in  Beth¬ 
lehem. 

What  did  he  say  concerning  Bethlehem  ? 

He  said:  “And  thou,  Bethlehem  Ephrata,  art  a 
little  one  among  the  thousands  of  Juda:  out  of  thee 
shall  He  come  forth  unto  me,  that  is  to  be  the  Ruler 
in  Israel.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  not  to  put  off  our  conver¬ 
sion,  hut  to  follow  at  once  the  call  of  grace. 


212  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel. 


LXXIII.  KING  OZIAS  USURPS  THE  PRIESTLY 

FUNCTIONS,  AND  IS  STRICKEN  WITH 

LEPROSY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  King  Ozias  usurped  the  office  of 
priest,  and  that  God  punished  him  for  it  with  leprosy. 

How  did  he  usurp  the  office  of  priest? 

He  entered  the  holy  of  holies  and  burnt  incense  on 

V 

the  altar. 

Was  not  every  one  allowed  to  enter  the  holy  of 
holies? 

No.  only  the  high  priests  were  allowed  to  enter  the 
holy  of  holies. 

Rid  Christ  establish  a  priesthood  in  the  New  Law? 

Yes,  Christ  did  establish  a  priesthood  in  the  New 
Law. 

Which  are  the  special  rights  and  duties  of  the 
priests  of  the  New  Law? 

The  special  rights  and  duties  of  the  priests  of  the 
New  Law  are  principally  three:  (1),  To  say  Mass;  (2), 
To  administer  the  sacraments;  (3),  To  teach  and 
govern  the  faithful. 

Did  not  Christ  give  all  the  members  of  His  Church 
equal  rights? 

No,  the  right  to  teach  and  to  administer  the  sacra¬ 
ments  Christ  gave  to  the  Apostles  alone  and  to  their 
successors. 

Why  did  Christ  institute  the  priesthood? 

Christ  instituted  the  priesthood  to  continue  His 
own  work  on  earth. 


King  Ozias  Usurps  the  Priestly  Functions.  213 

Who  opposed  Ozias? 

The  high  priest  opposed  him. 

Why  was  the  high  priest  obliged  to  oppose  the 
king? 

He  was  obliged  to  oppose  the  king  because  what 
Ozias  purposed  to  do  was  forbidden  by  God. 

When  are  we  not  allowed  to  obey  our  parents  or 
lawful  superiors  ? 

We  are  not  allowed  to  obey  our  parents  or  lawful 
superiors  whenever  they  command  anything  sinful. 

What  led  Ozias  to  commit  this  sin? 

Pride  led  him  to  commit  this  sin. 

How  was  he  led  by  pride  to  commit  the  sin? 

He  was  led  by  pride  to  disregard  the  regulations  of 
God  concerning  the  rights  of  the  priests. 

What  was  the  cause  of  his  pride  ? 

His  kingly  office,  power,  and  influence  were  the 
cause  of  his  pride. 

How  did  God  punish  him  ? 

God  punished  him  by  striking  him  with  leprosy. 

Why  did  God  punish  him? 

God  punished  him:  (1),  To  warn  the  temporal  au¬ 
thorities  not  to  interfere  with  the  rights  of  His  priests; 
(2),  To  show  that  the  priesthood  was  established  by 
Himself. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  submit  humbly  to  all 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Church,  and  always  to 
respect  the  priest  as  the  representative  of  Jesus  Christ. 


214  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel, 


LXXIY.  THE  PROPHECIES  OF  ISAIAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  prophecies  foretold  by  Isaias  concern¬ 
ing  the  Redeemer. 

What  did  Isaias  prophesy  concerning  the  Re¬ 
deemer? 

Concerning  the  Redeemer  he  prophesied:  (1),  That 
He  is  God;  (2),  That  He  would  spring  from  the  house 
of  David;  (3),  That  He  would  be  born  of  a  virgin;  (4), 
That  His  coming  would  be  announced  by  a  forerunner; 
(5),  That  He  would  perform  great  miracles;  (G),  That 
He  would  suffer  freely  and  patiently;  (7),  That  He 
would  rise  from  the  dead;  (8),  That  He  would  be 
glorified. 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  divinity  of 
the  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  divinity  of  the  Redeemer  he  proph¬ 
esied:  “  God  Himself  will  come  and  save  you,”  and  he 
called  the  Redeemer,  “  Emmanuel,”  God  with  us. 

How  do  we  know  that  Jesus  Christ  is  true  God? 

We  know  that  Jesus  Christ  is  true  God:  (1),  From 
the  prophets;  (2),  From  the  testimony  of  His  heavenly 
Father;  (3),  From  His  own  testimony;  (4),  From  the 
testimony  of  His  Apostles,  and  (5),  From  the  testi¬ 
mony  of  His  Church. 

What  do  the  prophets  call  the  promised  Re¬ 
deemer? 

The  prophets  call  Jesus  God,  God  with  us,  the 
Most  Holy,  the  Wonderful,  and  the  Father  of  the 
future. 


The  Prophecies  of  Isaias. 


215 


What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  descent  of 
Christ  from  the  house  of  David  ? 

Concerning  the  descent  of  Christ  he  prophesied: 
“  There  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out  of  the  root  of  Jesse, 
and  a  flower  shall  rise  up  out  of  his  root.” 

What  did  he  prophesy  concerning  the  birth  of 
Christ  ? 

Concerning  the  birth  of  Christ  he  prophesied:  “A 
virgin  shall  conceive,  and  bear  a  son,  and  His  name 
shall  be  called  f  Emmanuel/  that  is,  ‘  God  with  us/  ” 

From  whom  did  Christ  take  His  human  nature? 

Christ  took  His  human  nature  from  the  Virgin 
Mary. 

What  did  Isaias  prophesy  concerning  the  fore¬ 
runner  of  Our  Redeemer? 

Concerning  the  forerunner  of  Christ  he  prophesied: 
“  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  desert:  Prepare  ye  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  make  straight  in  the  wilderness  the 
paths  of  our  God.” 

Who  was  the  forerunner  of  Our  Redeemer? 

St.  John  the  Baptist  was  the  forerunner  of  Our 
Redeemer. 

How  did  he  prepare  the  way  for  the  coming  Re¬ 
deemer? 

He  prepared  the  way  by  preaching  penance. 

What  did  Isaias  prophesy  concerning  the  miracles 
of  Christ? 

Concerning  the  miracles  of  Christ  he  prophesied: 
“  Then  shall  the  eyes  of  the  blind  be  opened,  and  the 
ears  of  the  deaf  shall  be  unstopped.” 

Mention  some  of  Christ’s  miracles. 

Christ  changed  water  into  wine,  and  fed  over  five 


216  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel. 

thousand  with  five  loaves  of  bread;  with  a  word  He 
stilled  the  wind  and  waves,  He  cured  all  kinds  of  dis¬ 
eases  instantly,  and  raised  the  dead  to  life. 

What  did  Isaias  prophesy  concerning  Christ’s 
Passion? 

Concerning  Christ's  Passion  he  prophesied:  “  De¬ 
spised,  and  the  most  abject  of  men,  a  man  of  sorrows. 
.  .  .  He  hath  borne  our  infirmities.  .  .  .  He  was  wounded 
for  our  iniquities,  He  was  bruised  for  our  sins,  and  by 
His  bruises  we  are  healed.  The  Lord  hath  laid  on 
Him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.” 

What  else  did  he  prophesy  concerning  Christ’s 
Passion? 

lie  prophesied  that  He  would  suffer  freely. 

Repeat  the  words  of  this  prophecy. 

“  He  was  offered  because  it  was  His  own  will,  and 
He  opened  not  His  mouth.” 

What  did  Jesus  Christ  suffer? 

Jesus  Christ  suffered  a  bloody  sweat,  a  cruel  scourg¬ 
ing,  was  crowned  with  thorns,  and  was  crucified. 

Why  did  Christ  suffer  and  die? 

Christ  suffered  and  died  for  our  sins. 

What  did  Isaias  prophesy  concerning  Christ’s 
Resurrection? 

Concerning  Christ’s  Resurrection  he  prophesied: 
“  His  sepulchre  will  be  glorious.” 

How  do  we  know  that  Christ  arose  from  the  dead  ? 

We  know  that  Christ  arose  from  the  dead:  (1), 
From  the  testimony  of  the  Apostles;  (2),  From  the 
silence  of  the  Jewish  synagogue;  (3),  From  the  large 
number  who  at  once  embraced  the  faith  of  the  risen 


The  Pious  King  Ezechias. 


217 


Christ;  (4),  From  the  miracles  wrought  by  the 
Apostles  through  their  faith  in  the  risen  Christ. 

Why  did  Christ  rise  from  the  dead  ? 

Christ  rose  from  the  dead:  (1),  To  prove  that  He 
is  God;  (2),  To  perfect  the  work  of  our  salvation. 

1  How  did  Isaias  prophesy  that  Christ  would  be 
glorified  ? 

He  prophesied:  “The  Gentiles  shall  beseech  Him.” 

Why  did  Christ  ascend  into  heaven? 

Christ  ascended  into  heaven:  (1)^  To  take  pos¬ 
session  of  His  glory;  ( 2 ),  To  intercede  for  us  with  His 
Father;  (3),  To  prepare  a  place  for  us  in  heaven. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  thank  Christ  for  having, 
through  His  suffering  and  death,  delivered  us  from  sin 
and  eternal  death. 

LXXY.  THE  PIOUS  KING  EZECHIAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  King  Ezechias  prayed  to  God  in  time 
of  sickness  and  need,  and  was  heard. 

Which  was  the  characteristic  virtue  of  Ezechias  ? 

The  characteristic  virtue  of  Ezechias  was  piety. 

How  did  Ezechias  show  his  piety? 

He  showed  his  piety:  (1),  By  abolishing  idolatry; 
(2),  By  praying  to  God. 

How  did  God  punish  the  inhabitants  of  Juda  for 
their  idolatry  ? 

God  permitted  them  to  fall  repeatedly  into  the 
hands  of  their  enemies,  and  either  perish  in  battle  or 
he  taken  into  captivity. 


218  Final  Overthrow  of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel. 

Who  harassed  King  Ezechias  ? 

Sennacherib,  King  of  the  Assyrians,  harassed  him. 

How  did  he  harass  Ezechias? 

He  besieged  him,  with  a  powerful  army,  in  the  city 
of  Jerusalem. 

What  did  Ezechias  do  under  these  circumstances? 

He  had  recourse  to  prayer. 

How  did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  Ezechias? 

An  angel  entered  the  camp  of  the  Assyrians,  and 
one  night  slew  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  thousand 
and  saved  the  city  of  Jerusalem. 

How  did  Ezechias  behave  in  sickness? 

He  prayed  to  God  to  be  cured. 

How  did  he  pray? 

He  prayed:  “  I  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  remember 
how  I  have  walked  before  Thee  in  truth,  and  with  a 
perfect  heart,  and  have  done  that  which  is  pleasing 
before  Thee.” 

What  was  the  characteristic  of  his  prayer? 

It  was  full  of  confidence. 

When  do  we  pray  with  confidence? 

We  pray  with  confidence  when  we  feel  certain  that 
God  will  hear  our  prayer. 

How  did  God  reward  Ezechias  for  his  confidence? 

God  heard  his  prayer,  and  added  fifteen  years  to 
his  life. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  to  God  in  sickness 
and  in  danger. 


Judith . 


219 


LXXVI.  JUDITH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Judith,  a  pious  widow,  averted  a 
terrible  disaster  from  the  Jewish  nation. 

In  what  did  this  disaster  consist? 

Holofernes,  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Assy¬ 
rians,  besieged  the  city  of  Bethulia,  and  threatened  it 
with  destruction. 

Where  is  Bethulia? 

Bethulia  is  on  the  northern  side  of  the  Gelboe 
Mountains. 

How  did  Holofernes  harass  the  city  ? 

He  dug  a  trench  around  the  city,  and  cut  off  its 
water  supply. 

Who  saved  the  city? 

Judith  saved  the  city. 

Who  asked  her  to  pray  for  the  people? 

The  Ancients  asked  her. 

What  did  she  recommend? 

She  recommended  penance  and  prayer. 

Why  did  the  Ancients  ask  the  prayer  of  Judith? 

They  asked  the  prayer  of  Judith  because  they 
thought  that  the  prayer  of  a  pious  person  availeth 
much  with  God. 

What  does  the  Catholic  Church  teach  about  vener¬ 
ating  and  praying  to  the  saints? 

The  Catholic  Church  teaches  that  it  is  proper  and 
wholesome  to  venerate  and  pray  to  the  saints. 


220  Final  Overthrow  of  tlie  Kingdom  of  Israel. 

Did  God  hear  the  prayer  of  Judith? 

Yes;  while  she  prayed,  God  inspired  her  with  the 
thought  of  killing  Holofernes. ' 

How  did  Judith  carry  out  the  plan  to  kill  Holo¬ 
fernes  ? 

She  put  of!  her  penitential  dress,  arrayed  herself  in 
her  richest  garments,  and  entered  the  tent  of  Holo¬ 
fernes. 

What  did  she  do  afterwards? 

She  gained  the  good-will  of  Holofernes,  obtained 
permission  to  enter  his  tent  at  all  times,  and  one  night 
while  he  was  sleeping  off  a  debauch  she  slew  him. 

Was  Judith  justified  in  killing  Holofernes? 

Yes;  because  God,  who  is  sovereign  Lord  of  all, 
inspired  her  to  do  it. 

Mention  the  characteristic  virtues  of  Judith. 

The  characteristic  virtues  of  Judith  were,  confi¬ 
dence  in  God,  piety,  self-denial,  humility,  fortitude, 
and  love  of  country. 

How  do  we  know  that  Judith  had  confidence  in 
God? 

We  know  that  she  had  confidence  in  God  because 
she  was  certain  that  God  would  help  her  in  her  perilous 
undertaking. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  was  pious? 

We  know  that  she  was  pious  because  she  spent  a 
great  deal  of  time  in  prayer. 

How  do  we  know  that  Judith  practised  self-denial? 

We  know  that  she  practised  self-denial  because  she 
led  a  pure  life,  and  performed  works  of  mortification. 


Judith . 


221 


How  do  we  know  that  she  was  humble  ? 

We  know  that  she  was  humble  because  she  did  not 
rely  on  her  own  strength,  but  on  God’s  help. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  possessed  the  virtue  of 
fortitude  ? 

We  know  that  she  possessed  the  virtue  of  fortitude 
because  she  risked  her  life  to  save  her  country. 

Of  whom  is  Judith  a  type? 

Judith  is  a  type  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

How  is  Judith  a  type  of  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

Judith  was  a  courageous  woman,  Mary  is  Queen  of 
martyrs;  Judith  destroyed  the  enemy  of  her  people, 
Mary,  through  Christ,  destroyed  the  enemy  of  man¬ 
kind;  Judith  received  the  praises  of  her  people,  Mary’s 
praises  are  sung  by  angels  and  men. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  strengthen  ourselves 
against  temptation  through  the  frequent  reception  of 
the  sacraments. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE 
KINGDOM  OF  JUDA. 


LXXYII.  DAXIEL  IN  THE  BABYLONIAN 

CAPTIVITY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  King  Nabuchodonosor  took  Jeru¬ 
salem,  led  the  Jews  into  captivity,  and  that  Daniel  and 
his  three  companions  remained  true  to  their  religion. 

Why  did  God  send  this  terrible  visitation  on  the 
Jews? 

God  sent  this  terrible  visitation  on  the  Jews  be¬ 
cause  they  repeatedly  rejected  His  grace. 

What  sin  did  Nabuchodonosor  commit  by  destroy¬ 
ing  the  Temple? 

By  destroying  the  Temple  he  committed  a  sacrilege. 

What  is  a  sacrilege? 

A  sacrilege  is  the  abuse  of  a  person,  place,  or  thing 
consecrated  to  God. 

What  does  the  event  related  in  this  lesson  show? 

It  shows  that  God  is  long-suffering  and  just. 

How  does  it  show  that  God  is  long-suffering? 

It  shows  that  He  is  long-suffering  because  He 
waited  a  long  time  before  He  punished  the  Jews, 

22? 


Daniel  in  the  Babylonian  Captivity.  223 

How  does  it  show  that  God  is  just? 

It  shows  that  He  is  just  because  we  see  from  it  how 
severely  He  punishes. 

Who  describes  the  destruction  and  disgrace  of 
Jerusalem? 

The  prophet  Jeremias,  in  his  Lamentations,  de¬ 
scribes  the  destruction  and  disgrace  of  Jerusalem. 

To  what  else  do  the  Lamentations  refer'’ 

They  also  refer  to  the  humiliation  and  shame  which 
Our  Lord  suffered  during  His  bitter  Passion. 

When  are  selections  from  the  Lamentations  sung  ? 

Selections  from  the  Lamentations  are  sung  the  last 
three  days  of  Holy  Week. 

Which  part  of  the  Lamentations  refers  particularly 
to  Our  Lord  and  His  suffering  Mother? 

The  part  that  refers  particularly  to  Our  Lord  and 
His  suffering  Mother  is  as  follows:  “  0  all  ye  that  pass 
by  the  way,  attend,  and  see  if  there  be  any  sorrow  like 
to  my  sorrow.” 

Which  virtues  did  Daniel  and  his  three  companions 
practise  ? 

They  practised  self-denial  and  fortitude. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  practised  self-denial? 

We  know  that  they  practised  self-denial  because 
they  chose  to  eat  vegetables  and  water  rather  than  sin 
by  eating  the  meats  of  the  heathens. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  practised  fortitude  ? 

We  know  that  they  practised  fortitude  because  they 
persevered  in  their  good  resolution  despite  many 
temptations  and  dangers. 


224  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

Who  are  obliged  to  abstain  from  flesh-meat  on 
Fridays  and  other  days  of  abstinence  ? 

All  Catholics  who  have  reached  the  use  of  reason 
are  obliged  to  abstain. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  keep  conscientiously 
fast  days  and  days  of  abstinence. 


LXXYIII.  DANIEL  SAVES  THE  CHASTE 

SUSANNA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Daniel  saved  the  honor  and  life  of 
the  chaste  Susanna. 

Who  was  Susanna? 

Susanna  was  the  wife  of  Joakim. 

Who  tried  to  induce  Susanna  to  sin? 

Two  wicked  judges  tried  to  induce  her  to  sin. 

What  sin  did  they  try  to  induce  her  to  commit  ? 

They  tried  to  induce  her  to  commit  a  sin  against 
the  sixth  Commandment. 

What  does  the  sixth  Commandment  forbid? 

The  sixth  Commandment  forbids  all  unchaste  free¬ 
dom  with  another’s  wife  or  husband;  also. all  immodesty 
with  ourselves  or  others  in  looks,  dress,  words,  or 
actions. 

How  did  the  judges  tempt  Susanna? 

The  judges  hid  in  Joakim’s  garden,  and  when  his 
wife  entered  they  tried  to  induce  her  to  do  an  unchaste 
action. 


Daniel  Saves  the  Chaste  Susanna. 


225 


What  did  they  do  when  Susanna  refused? 

When  Susanna  refused  they  threatened  to  tell  that 
they  had  caught  her  committing  sin. 

What  did  Susanna  reply? 

Susanna  replied:  “  If  I  do  this  thing,  it  is  death  to 
me;  and  if  I  do  it  not,  I  shall  not  escape  your  hands. 
But  it  is  better  for  me  to  fall  into  your  hands  without 
doing  it,  than  to  sin  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord.” 

What  enabled  Susanna  to  overcome  the  tempta¬ 
tion? 

The  thought  that  God  was  present  and  knew  all 
things,  helped  her  to  overcome  the  temptation. 

How  did  the  wicked  judges  revenge  themselves  on 
Susanna? 

They  revenged  themselves  on  Susanna  by  accusing 
her  of  having  committed  adultery. 

Did  the  people  believe  the  judges? 

Yes;  they  believed  the  judges,  and  condemned 
Susanna  to  death. 

How  many  Commandments  did  the  judges  break? 

They  broke  the  fifth,  eighth,  and  ninth  Command¬ 
ments. 

How  did  they  break  the  fifth  Commandment  ? 

They  broke  the  fifth  Commandment  by  giving 
scandal  and  causing  Susanna  to  be  condemned  to  death. 

How  did  they  break  the  eighth  Commandment? 

They  broke  the  eighth  Commandment:  (1),  By 
bearing  false  witness;  (2),  By  slander. 

How  did  they  break  the  ninth  Commandment? 

They  broke  the  ninth  Commandment  by  coveting 
their  neighbor’s  wife. 


226  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

How  do  we  injure  the  soul  of  our  neighbor? 

We  injure  the  soul  of  our  neighbor  by  giving 
scandal,  that  is  by  trying  to  lead  him  into  sin,  or  by 
being  the  occasion  of  his  sin. 

How  do  we  injure  the  body  of  our  neighbor? 

We  injure  the  body  of  our  neighbor:  (1),  By  kill¬ 
ing,  striking,  or  wounding  him  unjustly;  (2),  By  em¬ 
bittering  or  shortening  his  life  by  bad  treatment. 

Who  saved  the  reputation  and  life  of  Susanna? 

Daniel  did. 

How  did  Daniel  save  Susanna? 

He  saved  her  by  proving  to  the  people  that  the 
judges  bore  false  witness  against  her. 

How  did  he  prove  this? 

He  proved  it  by  showing  that  they  gave  contra¬ 
dictory  testimony. 

How  were  the  judges  punished? 

They  were  stoned  to  death. 

Which  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  Susanna? 

The  characteristic  virtues  of  Susanna  were  forti¬ 
tude  and  purity. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  possessed  the  virtue  of 
fortitude? 

We  know  that  she  possessed  the  virtue  of  fortitude 
because  she  preferred  to  die  rather  than  commit  a 
mortal  sin. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  say  a  short  prayer  daily 
to  the  Blessed  Virgin  to  obtain  for  us  the  grace  to  be 
pure  in  thought,  word,  and  action,  and  to  be  ready  to 
die  rather  than  commit  a  mortal  sin. 


The  Three  Young  Men  in  the  Fiery  Furnace.  227 


LXXIX.  THE  THREE  YOUNG  MEN  IN  THE 

FIERY  FURNACE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  three  young  men  were  cast  into  a 
fiery  furnace  for  refusing  to  adore  a  golden  statue,  and 
were  preserved  by  almighty  God. 

Who  commanded  them  to  adore  the  golden  statue? 

Nabuchodonosor,  King  of  Babylon,  commanded 
them. 

What  had  Nabuchodonosor  decreed  concerning  the 
adoration  of  the  golden  statue  ? 

Nabuchodonosor  had  decreed:  “If  any  man  shall 
not  fall  down  and  adore,  he  shall  the  same  hour  be  cast 
into  a  furnace  of  burning  fired’ 

Who  refused  to  obey  the  decree  of  the  king  ? 

Three  youths,  Ananias,  Misael,  and  Azarias, 
refused. 

Are  we  allowed  to  pray  to  or  adore  the  pictures  and 
images  of  Christ  and  His  saints  ? 

No,  we  are  not  allowed  to  pray  to  them  or  adore 
them. 

Why  do  we  show  respect  to  pictures  and  images  of 
Christ  and  His  saints? 

We  show  respect  to  pictures  and  images  of  Christ 
and  His  saints:  (1),  Because  they  represent  Christ  and 
the  saints;  (2),  Because  they  inspire  us  with  pious 
thoughts. 

Which  virtues  did  the  young  men  in  the  fiery 
furnace  display? 

They  displayed  the  virtues  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity. 


228  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda, 

What  is  faith? 

Faith  is  a  divine  virtue  by  which  we  believe  all  that 
God  has  revealed,  because  lie  can  neither  deceive  nor 
be  deceived. 

Which  were  the  qualities  of  their  faith? 

Their  faith  was  firm  and  constant. 

How  do  we  know  that  their  faith  was  firm? 

We  know  that  their  faith  was  firm  because  nothing 
could  weaken  it. 

How  do  we  know  that  their  faith  was  constant? 

We  know  that  their  faith  was  constant  because  they 
were  prepared  to  sutler  the  greatest  torments  rather 
than  deny  it. 

Will  faith  alone  save  us? 

No,  faith  without  good  works  will  not  save  us. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  possessed  the  virtue  of 
hope? 

We  know  that  they  possessed  the  virtue  of  hope 
because  they  trusted  in  God  to  save  them. 

What  is  hope? 

Hope  is  a  divine  virtue  by  which  we  trust  that  God 
will  give  us  eternal  life  and  the  means  to  obtain  it. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  possessed  the  virtue  of 
charity  ? 

We  know  that  they  possessed  the  virtue  of  charity 
because  they  were  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  for  the 
love  of  God. 

What  is  charity? 

Charity  is  a  divine  virtue  by  which  we  love  God 
above  all  things  for  His  own  sake,  and  our  neighbor  as 
ourselves  for  the  love  of  God. 


The  Three  Young  Men  in  the  Fiery  Furnace.  229 

How  may  we  know  that  we  love  God? 

We  may  know  that  we  love  God  if  we  keep  His 
Commandments. 

Should  we  make  acts  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity? 

We  should  frequently  make  acts  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity,  especially  in  temptation,  in  danger,  and  at  the 
hour  of  our  death. 

How  did  God  reward  the  three  young  men? 

God  rewarded  them  by  working  a  great  miracle. 

What  was  the  miracle? 

When  the  young  men  were  cast  into  the  burning 
furnace,  an  angel  extinguished  the  flames,  but  caused 
them  to  burn  outside  and  consume  those  who  had 
thrown  the  young  men  into  the  furnace. 

Did  Nabuchodonosor  recognize  this  miracle? 

Yes,  he  acknowledged  the  almighty  power  of  the 
one  true  God,  and  decreed  that  whosoever  would  blas¬ 
pheme  the  God  of  Ananias,  Misael,  and  Azarias  should 
be  put  to  death. 

What  did  Nabuchodonosor  do  for  the  three  young 
men? 

He  conferred  many  honors  on  them. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  true  to  our 
faith;  (2),  To  make  frequently  acts  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity. 


230  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 


LXXX.  KING  BALTASSAR  AND  THE 

IDOL  BEL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  God  punished  King  Baltassar,  who 
desecrated  the  sacred  vessels  of  the  Temple,  and  that 
Daniel  showed  the  heathens  the  folly  of  their  idolatry. 

Which  sins  did  Baltassar  commit  ? 

Baltassar  committed  the  sins  of  intemperance  and 
sacrilege. 

To  what  sin  did  his  intemperance  lead? 

His  intemperance  led  to  the  sin  of  sacrilege. 

In  what  did  the  sacrilege  of  Baltassar  consist? 

The  sacrilege  of  Baltassar  consisted  in  using  at  a 
banquet  the  sacred  vessels  of  the  Temple,  which  only 
the  priests  were  allowed  to  touch. 

What  punishment  did  God  announce  for  Baltassar 
because  of  his  sacrilege  ? 

God  announced  his  sudden  death  and  the  loss  of  his 
kingdom. 

How  did  God  announce  this  punishment? 

While  the  guests  were  still  seated  at  the  banquet, 
a  hand  was  seen  on  the  wall  writing  certain  mysterious 
words. 

Who  interpreted  the  words? 

Daniel  interpreted  them. 

How  did  Daniel  interpret  the  words? 

Daniel  said:  “  Wherefore  [God]  hath  sent  the  part 
of  the  hand,  which  hath  written  this  that  is  set  down. 
And  this  is  the  writing  which  is  written:  Mane,  Thecel, 


231 


King  Baltassar  and  the  Idol  Bel. 

Phares.  And  this  is  the  interpretation  of  the  word: 
Mane,  God  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom  and  hath 
finished  it.  Thecel,  thou  art  weighed  in  the  balance, 
and  art  found  wanting.  Phares,  thy  kingdom  is 
divided  and  given  to  the  Medes  and  Persians/’ 

When  was  this  prediction  fulfilled  ? 

It  was  fulfilled  the  same  night. 

How  was  the  prediction  fulfilled? 

Baltassar  was  slain  and  the  Medes  and  Persians 
under  Darius  took  his  kingdom. 

Of  what  should  the  end  of  Baltassar  remind  us  ? 

It  should  remind  us  of  the  Particular  Judgment, 
which  takes  place  immediately  after  death. 

Whither  does  the  soul  go  immediately  after  it  leaves 
the  body? 

Immediately  after  the  soul  leaves  the  body,  it  goes 
before  the  judgment  seat  of  God. 

Whither  does  the  soul  go  immediately  after  judg¬ 
ment? 

Immediately  after  judgment  the  soul  goes  either 
to  heaven,  hell,  or  purgatory. 

How  did  Daniel  show  the  people  the  folly  of 
idolatry  ? 

Daniel  showed  the  people  the  folly  of  idolatry  by 
exposing  the  fraud  of  the  heathen  priests. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  meditate  frequently  on 
death.  “  In  all  thy  works  remember  thy  last  end,  and 
thou  shalt  never  sin  ”  (Ecclus.  vii.  40). 


232  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Judd  * 


LXXXI.  DANIEL  IN  THE  LIONS’  DEN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  God-fearing  Daniel  was  perse¬ 
cuted  and  cast  into  a  lions’  den,  but  was  saved  by  a 
miracle. 

Why  was  Daniel  persecuted? 

Daniel  was  persecuted  because  he  had  exposed  the 
fraud  of  the  heathen  priests,  destroyed  the  temples  of 
the  idols,  and  killed  the  dragon  which  the  Babylonians 
adored. 

How  did  Daniel  kill  the  dragon? 

Daniel  took  pitch,  fat,  and  hair,  and  boiling  them 
together  made  balls  of  them,  and  gave  them  to  the 
dragon  to  swallow,  whereupon  it  burst. 

How  did  the  Babylonians  vent  their  hatred  on 
Daniel? 

They  had  him  thrown  into  a  lions’  den. 

How  did  God  reward  Daniel? 

God  rewarded  Daniel  by  protecting  him  from  the 
lions. 

Who  gave  food  to  Daniel  during  the  time  he  was  in 
the  lions’  den. 

God  Himself,  through  the  prophet  Habacuc,  gave 
food  to  Daniel. 

Why  did  God  perform  this  miracle? 

God  performed  this  miracle:  (1),  To  console  the 
Jews  in  captivity  and  to  strengthen  them  in  their 
faith;  (2),  To  prove  to  the  king  that  the  God  of  the 
Jews  was  the  one  true  God;  (3),  To  prepare  the 
heathens  for  the  coming  of  the  Redeemer. 


Daniel  in  the  Lions'  Den.  233 

Was  Daniel  grateful  to  God  for  having  saved  his 
life? 

Yes,  Daniel  was  very  grateful  to  God. 

How  did  he  show  his  gratitude  ? 

He  showed  his  gratitude  by  prayer.  He  said: 
“  Thou  hast  remembered  me,  0  God,  and  Thou  hast 
not  forsaken  them  that  love  Thee.” 

What  impression  did  the  miracle  make  on  the  king  ? 

The  king  publicly  acknowledged  the  miracle  and 
said:  “  In  all  my  empire  and  my  kingdom  [let]  men 
dread  and  fear  the  God  of  Daniel  .  .  .  for  He  is  the 
Saviour  doing  signs  and  wonders.” 

Of  what  is  Daniel  in  the  lions’  den  a  type? 

Daniel  in  the  lions’  den  is  a  type  of  the  Resurrec¬ 
tion  of  Christ. 

How  is  Daniel  in  the  lions’  den  a  type  of  the  Resur¬ 
rection  of  Christ? 

Daniel  was  falsely  accused  and  persecuted  by  the 
Babylonians,  Christ  was  slandered  and  persecuted  by 
the  Jews;  Daniel  was  cast  into  the  lions’  den,  Christ 
was  laid  in  the  sepulchre;  Daniel’s  life  was  preserved  by 
a  miracle,  Christ  arose  from  the  dead  by  a  miracle; 
Daniel  was  saved  to  prove  that  the  God  of  the  Jews 
was  the  true  God,  Christ  rose  from  the  dead  to  prove 
that  He  is  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  always  put  our  trust  in 
God. 


234  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Ju da. 

LXXXII.  THE  RETURN  OF  THE  JEWS  FROM 
THE  BABYLONIAN  CAPTIVITY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  the  Jews  returned  from  cap¬ 
tivity  and  rebuilt  their  Temple;  (2),  It  tells  us  what 
the  last  prophets  foretold  about  the  coming  Redeemer. 

Which  prophets  foretold  the  return  of  the  Jews 
from  the  Babylonian  captivity  ? 

J eremias  and  Daniel  foretold  their  return. 

Who  gave  the  Jews  permission  to  return  into  their 
own  country? 

The  Persian  king  Cyrus  gave  them  permission. 

Who  led  the  Jews  back? 

Zorobabel  led  them  back. 

What  does  the  return  of  the  Jews  show? 

The  return  of  the  Jews  shows  that  God  is  faithful. 

What  should  we  learn  from  God’s  faithfulness? 

From  God’s  faithfulness  we  should  learn  to  believe 
in  Him,  hope  in  Him,  and  fear  Him. 

What  did  the  Jews  do  immediately  after  their 
return  to  Judea? 

Immediately  after  their  return  to  Judea,  the  Jews 
began  to  build  their  Temple. 

Who  encouraged  them  to  do  this  ? 

The  prophets  Zacharias  and  Aggeus  encouraged 
them. 

How  did  the  prophet  Aggeus  encourage  them  ? 

Aggeus  encouraged  them  by  assuring  them  that  the 
glory  of  the  second  Temple  would  be  greater  than  the 
first. 


The  Return  of  the  Jews  from  Captivity.  235 

Why  was  the  glory  of  the  second  Temple  greater 
than  the  first? 

The  glory  of  the  second  Temple  was  greater  than 
the  first,  because  the  Messias  entered  the  former. 

How  did  Aggeus  prophesy  this  event? 

Aggeus  said:  “  And  the  Desired  of  all  nations  shall 
come:  and  I  will  fill  this  house  with  glory,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts.” 

How  did  Zacharias  encourage  the  Jews? 

He  encouraged  them  by  reminding  them  of  the 
coming  of  the  Redeemer. 

What  did  Zacharias  prophesy  concerning  the  Re¬ 
deemer  ? 

Zacharias  prophesied:  (1),  The  entry  of  the  Re¬ 
deemer  into  Jerusalem;  (2),  The  price  of  His  betrayal; 
(3),  His  death  on  the  cross. 

How  did  he  prophesy  the  entry  of  the  Redeemer 
into  Jerusalem? 

Zacharias  said:  “Rejoice  greatly,  0  daughter  of 
Sion,  shout  for  joy,  0  daughter  of  Jerusalem:  Be¬ 
hold  thy  King  will  come  to  thee,  the  just  and  Saviour 
and  riding  upon  an  ass,  and  upon  a  colt,  the  foal  of  an 
ass.” 

How  did  he  prophesy  the  price  of  the  Redeemer’s 
betrayal  ? 

He  said:  “And  they  weighed  for  My  wages  thirty 
pieces  of  silver.” 

How  did  he  prophesy  the  death  of  the  Redeemer  on 
the  cross? 

He  said:  “And  they  shall  look  upon  Me,  whom 
they  have  pierced.” 


236  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Judci. 

How  did  the  Jews  show  their  gratitude  to  God  for 
having  delivered  them  from  captivity? 

The  Jews  showed  their  gratitude  to  God  by  having 
the  Law  read  publicly  by  Esdras,  and  promising,  with 
tears,  to  be  faithful  to  it. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  trust  in  God  and  to 
keep  our  bodies  pure,  because  they  are  the  temple  of 
the  Holy  Ghost. 


LXXXIII.  ESTHER. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Esther  saved  the  lives  of  the  Jews 
who  remained  in  Babylon  after  their  countrymen  had 
returned  to  Judea. 

Why  did  some  of  the  Jews  remain  in  Babylon? 

They  remained  in  Babylon  because  the  rule  of  the 
Persian  kings  was  very  mild. 

What  use  did  God  make  of  the  Jews  who  remained 
in  Babylon? 

God  made  use  of  the  Jews  who  remained  in  Baby¬ 
lon  to  instruct  the  heathens  in  the  faith  of  the  one  true 
God,  and  to  prepare  them  for  the  coming  of  the  Re¬ 
deemer. 

How  was  it  possible  for  the  Jews  to  instruct  the 
Babylonians  in  the  true  faith? 

It  was  possible  for  the  Jews  to  instruct  the  Baby¬ 
lonians  in  the  true  faith  because  many  of  the  former 
were  influential  with  the  Persian  kings. 


Esther . 


237 


Why  was  Esther  influential  at  the  court  of  the 
king? 

Esther  was  influential  at  the  court  of  the  king  be¬ 
cause  of  her  virtue  and  beauty. 

What  position  did  Esther  occupy  ? 

Esther  was  the  queen  of  the  king  Assuerus. 

How  did  Esther  increase  her  influence  with  the 
king  ? 

Esther  increased  her  influence  with  the  king  by  in¬ 
forming  him  that  two  of  the  royal  officials  had  con¬ 
spired  to  murder  him. 

Who  discovered  the  plot? 

Mardochai,  the  uncle  of  Esther,  discovered  the  plot 
and  told  her  of  it. 

What  did  the  king  do  after  the  plot  was  made 
known  to  him? 

The  king  had  the  two  conspirators  hanged,  and  the 
facts  recorded  in  the  annals  of  the  kingdom. 

For  what  purpose  did  Esther  use  her  influence  at 
court  ? 

Esther  used  her  influence  at  court  to  promote  the 
interests  of  her  countrymen. 

Who  opposed  her? 

Aman  opposed  her. 

What  was  Aman’s  predominant  passion? 

Pride  was  Aman’s  predominant  passion. 

What  do  we  mean  by  predominant  passion  ? 

By  predominant  passion  we  mean  the  one  which  is 
stronger  than  all  the  others. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  pride  belong? 

Pride  belongs  to  the  capital  sins. 


238  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

How  did  Aman  sin  by  pride  ? 

Aman  sinned  by  pride  by  desiring  the  people  to  fall 
down  and  worship  him. 

Which  sins  proceeded  from  Aman’s  pride? 

Slander,  hatred  and  the  desire  to  murder  proceeded 
from  Aman’s  pride. 

How  do  we  know  that  Aman  committed  the  sin  of 
slander  ? 

We  know  that  Aman  committed  the  sin  of  slander 
because  he  falsely  accused  Mardochai  of  conspiracy. 

How  do  we  know  that  Aman  desired  to  commit 
murder  ? 

We  know  that  he  desired  to  commit  murder  because 
he  tried  to  put  Mardochai  and  all  the  J ews  to  death. 

Who  saved  the  Jews? 

Esther  saved  them. 

What  did  Esther  do  to  save  her  people? 

Esther  prayed  to  God,  then  went  to  Assuerus  and 
besought  him  to  spare  the  Jews. 

How  did  God  bring  about  the  hearing  of  Esther’s 
prayer  ? 

God  brought  about  the  hearing  of  Esther’s  prayer 
in  the  following  manner.  One  sleepless  night  the  king 
had  the  annals  of  the  kingdom  read  to  him,  and  when 
he  heard  that  Mardochai  had  received  no  reward  for 
discovering  the  conspiracy,  he  conferred  on  him  the 
honors  which  Aman  supposed  were  intended  for  him¬ 
self. 

How  did  the  king  receive  the  petition  of  Esther? 

The  king  received  her  petition  favorably,  spared 
the  Jews,  and  had  Aman,  their  enemy,  hanged. 


Translation  of  the  Old  Testament  into  Greek.  239 

What  impression  did  this  event  make  on  the 
heathens  ? 

Many  of  the  heathens,  seeing  how  wonderfully  God 
had  protected  the  Jews,  embraced  their  religion. 

What  do  we  see  in  this  ? 

In  this  we  see  the  wonderful  providence  of  God, 
who  directs  all  things  for  the  best. 

Of  whom  is  Esther  a  type  ? 

Esther  is  a  type  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 

How  is  Esther  a  type  of  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

Esther  was  made  queen  on  account  of  her  beauty, 
Mary  was  made  Queen  of  heaven  on  account  of  her 
virtues;  Esther  alone  was  exempt  from  the  cruel  law 
of  the  king,  Mary  alone  was  free  from  original  sin; 
Esther  frustrated  the  designs  of  Aman,  the  enemy  of 
her  people,  Mary  crushed  the  head  of  Satan^  the  enemy 
of  mankind;  Esther  interceded  for  her  people,  Mary  is 
continually  interceding  for  us  before  the  throne  of  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  always  hear  in 
mind  that  God  does  everything  for  the  best;  (2),  To 
say  a  short  prayer  each  day  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 


LXXXIV.  TRANSLATION  OF  THE  OLD  TESTA¬ 
MENT  INTO  GREEK.—  ECCLESIASTICUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  hooks  of  the  Old  Testament  were 
translated  from  Hebrew  into  Greek,  and  also  relates 
some  of  the  sayings  of  the  book  of  Ecclesiasticus. 


240  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

Who  had  the  books  of  the  Old  Testament  translated 
into  Greek? 

The  Egyptian  king  Ptolemy  Philadelphus  had 
them  translated. 

Who  made  the  translation? 

Seventy-two  wise  men  made  it. 

What  is  this  translation  called? 

It  is  called  the  Septuagint,  from  the  fact  that 
seventy-two  men  made  it. 

Where  was  this  translation  made? 

It  was  made  in  Alexandria. 

What  was  one  of  the  results  of  this  translation  ? 

One  of  the  results  of  this  translation  was  to  make 
the  word  of  God  known  to  the  Gentiles,  and  to  pre¬ 
pare  them  for  the  coming  of  the  Redeemer. 

Why  did  this  translation  make  known  the  Word  of 
God  to  the  Gentiles  ? 

This  translation  made  known  the  word  of  God  to 
the  Gentiles  because  the  Greek  language  was  spoken 
throughout  the  world  at  that  time. 

When  was  the  translation  made  ? 

The  translation  was  made  about  the  year  285  b.c. 

Who  wrote  the  book  of  Sirach  or  Ecelesiasticus  ? 

Jesus,  son  of  Sirach,  wrote  Ecelesiasticus. 

What  does  Ecelesiasticus  contain? 

Ecelesiasticus  contains  a  collection  of  sayings  that 
admonish  us  to  shun  sin  and  practise  virtue. 

Which  virtues  especially  does  Ecelesiasticus  recom¬ 
mend  ? 

It  recommends  especially  the  fear  of  God,  respect 
for  parents,  love  of  neighbors,  discretion,  conscien¬ 
tiousness,  and  love  of  truth. 


Translation  of  the  Old  Testament  into  Greek .  241 

How  does  it  recommend  the  fear  of  God? 

It  recommends  the  fear  of  God  in  the  following 
words:  “  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  [and 
a  crown]  of  wisdom.” 

How  does  it  recommend  respect  for  parents? 

It  recommends  respect  for  parents  in  the  following 
words:  “Hear  the  judgment  of  your  father  .  .  .  and 
grieve  him  not  in  his  life.” 

How  does  it  recommend  love  of  our  neighbor? 

It  recommends  love  of  our  neighbor  in  the  follow¬ 
ing  words:  “  Be  in  peace  with  many.” 

How  does  it  recommend  discretion? 

It  recommends  discretion  in  the  following  words: 
“  Before  thou  hear,  answer  not  a  word,  and  interrupt 
not  others  in  the  midst  of  their  discourse.  Hedge  in 
thy  ears  with  thorns  .  .  .  and  make  doors  and  bars  to 
thy  mouth.” 

How  does  it  recommend  conscientiousness? 

It  recommends  conscientiousness  in  the  following 
words:  “In  every  work  of  thine  regard  thy  soul  in 
faith,  for  this  is  the  keeping  of  the  Commandments.” 

Against  which  sins  does  Ecclesiasticus  warn  us? 

It  warns  us  against  lying,  slander,  back-biting, 
taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain,  and  swearing. 

How  does  it  warn  us  against  lying? 

It  warns  us  against  lying  in  the  following  words: 
“A  lie  is  a  foul  blot  in  a  man.  ...  In  no  wise  speak 
against  the  truth,  but  be  ashamed  of  the  lie  in  thy 
ignorance.” 

How  does  it  warn  us  against  slander  and  back¬ 
biting  ? 

It  warns  us  against  slander  and  back-biting  in  the 


242  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

following  words:  “  Hast  thou  heard  a  word  against 
thy  neighbor?  Let  it  die  within  thee.” 

When  do  we  sin  by  back-biting? 

We  sin  by  hack-biting  as  often  as  we  reveal  the 
faults  of  another  without  sufficient  reason. 

How  does  Ecclesiasticus  warn  us  against  taking  the 
name  of  God  in  vain? 

It  warns  us  against  taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain 
in  the  following  words:  “  Let  not  the  naming  of  God 
be  usual  in  thy  mouth.” 

How  does  Ecclesiasticus  warn  us  against  swearing? 

It  warns  us  against  swearing  in  the  following 
words:  “  A  man  that  sweareth  much  shall  be  filled  with 
iniquity,  and  a  scourge  shall  not  depart  from  his 
house.” 

When  do  we  sin  by  swearing? 

We  sin  by  swearing:  (1),  When  we  swear  to  what 
we  know  to  be  false  or  doubtful;  (2),  When  we  swear 
without  necessity;  (3),  When  we  swear  to  do  evil  and 
avoid  good;  (4),  When  we  do  not  keep  our  oath. 

Does  Ecclesiasticus  warn  us  only  against  sin? 

No,  it  warns  us  also  against  the  occasion  of  sin. 

How  does  it  warn  us  against  the  occasion  of  sin? 

It  warns  us  against  the  occasion  of  sin  in  the  fol¬ 
lowing  words:  “  He  that  loveth  danger,  shall  perish 
in  it:  and  he  that  toucheth  pitch  shall  he  defded 
with  it.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  follow  the  rules  laid 
down  in  the  book  of  Ecclesiasticus. 


The  Martyrdom  of  Eleazar. 


243 


LXXXY.  THE  MARTYRDOM  OF  ELEAZAR. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  King  Antiochns  oppressed  the 
Jews  on  account  of  their  religion;  (2),  That  Eleazar,  a 
Jew,  suffered  martyrdom  for  his  faith. 

Who  was  Antiochns  ? 

Antiochus  was  King  of  Syria. 

When  did  Judea  come  under  the  rule  of  the 
of  Syria? 

Judea  came  under  the  rule  of  the  kings  of 
about  the  year  200  b.c. 

How  did  Antiochus  oppress  the  Jews? 

He  ordered:  (1),  All  the  sacred  hooks  to  he  burnt, 
and  (2),  He  forbade  the  observance  of  the  J ewish  Law 
under  penalty  of  death. 

How  did  the  Jews  receive  the  order  of  the  king? 

Many  of  the  Jews  denied  their  faith,  but  others 
remained  constant  and  refused  to  obey  the  order  of  the 
king. 

For  what  was  Eleazar  known? 

Eleazar  was  known  for  his  fear  of  God,  and  his 
lively  and  constant  faith. 

How  do  we  know  that  Eleazar’s  faith  was  lively  ? 

We  know  that  Eleazar’s  faith  was  lively  because  he 
not  only  believed  in  the  Jewish  religion  hut  also  lived 
up  to  it:  and  furthermore  because  he  would  not  give 
scandal  to  the  J  ewish  youth  by  even  appearing  to  break 
the  Law. 


kings 

Syria 


244  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

How  do  we  know  that  Eleazar  would  not  give 
scandal  to  the  Jewish  youth? 

We  know  it  from  his  own  words:  “  It  doth  not  be¬ 
come  our  age,  said  he,  to  dissemble:”  if  I  feigned  to 
comply  with  the  king’s  command,  the  young  men  of  our 
nation  might  be  tempted  to  say:  the  aged  Eleazar  has 
become  a  pagan,  why  may  not  we  do  the  same? 

How  do  we  know  that  Eleazar’s  faith  was  constant  ? 

We  know  that  Eleazar’s  faith  was  constant  because 
he  preferred  to  suffer  death  rather  than  eat  pork, 
which  was  forbidden  by  the  Jewish  Law. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  profess  our  faith 
publicly  when  necessary,  never  to  be  ashamed  of  it,  and 
to  be  strictly  truthful. 

LXXXYI.  THE  MARTYRDOM  OF  THE  SEVEN 

MACHABEES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  seven  Machabee  brothers  and 
their  mother  were  cruelly  tortured  and  finally  put  to 
death  for  their  faith. 

What  virtue  do  we  admire  in  the  Machabees? 

We  admire  their  courageous  and  constant  faith. 

How  do  we  know  that  their  faith  was  courageous  ? 

We  know  that  their  faith  was  courageous  because 
they  professed  it  by  word  and  deed. 

When  did  they  profess  their  faith  by  word? 

They  professed  their  faith  by  word,  when  they  said: 
“  The  King  of  the  world  will  raise  us  up,  who  die  for 
His  laws,  in  the  resurrection  of  eternal  life.” 


The  Martyrdom  of  the  Seven  Machabees.  245 

What  do  these  words  express  ? 

These  words  express  the  Machabees’  belief  in  the 
resurrection  of  the  body. 

How  did  the  Machabees  profess  their  faith  by 
deed? 

The  Machabees  professed  their  faith  by  deed  by 
refusing  to  eat  pork. 

How  do  we  know  that  their  faith  was  constant  ? 

We  know  that  their  faith  was  constant  from  their 
own  words:  “  We  are  ready  to  die  rather  than  to  trans¬ 
gress  the  laws  of  God,  received  from  our  fathers.” 

Which  virtues  do  we  admire  in  the  mother  of  the 
Machabees  ? 

We  admire  her  courageous  fulfilment  of  her  duty 
as  mother,  and  her  heroic  faith. 

How  did  she  fulfil  her  duty  as  mother  courageously  ? 

She  fulfilled  her  duty  as  mother  courageously  by 
encouraging  her  sons,  while  they  were  being  tortured, 
to  persevere  to  the  end  and  to  die  for  their  faith. 

How  do  we  know  that  her  faith  was  heroic  ? 

We  know  that  her  faith  was  heroic  because  she  not 
only  died  for  her  religion,  but  witnessed  the  tortures  of 
her  sons,  and  as  their  mother,  suffered  with  them. 

What  encouraged  her  to  suffer  so  heroically? 

Her  faith  in  God  and  the  hope  of  eternal  reward 
encouraged  her. 

In  what  does  the  happiness  of  the  blessed  in  heaven 
consist  ? 

The  happiness  of  the  blessed  in  heaven  consists: 
(1),  In  seeing  God  as  He  is  and  in  being  united  with 
Him  in  the  closest  bond  of  love;  (2),  In  being  free  from 


246  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda t 

all  evil  and  pain,  and  in  enjoying  the  company  of  the 
saints  and  angels  for  all  eternity. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  mortify  our  body  and 
keep  it  pure,  so  that  it  will  rise  again  glorious  on  the 
last  day. 

LXXXVII.  THE  SACRIFICE  AND  HEROIC 
DEEDS  OF  JUDAS  MACHABEUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  Antiochus  died  a  terrible 
death;  (2),  That  Judas  Machabeus  fought  valiantly 
against  the  enemies  of  Israel. 

How  did  God  punish  Antiochus? 

God  punished  Antiochus  by  afflicting  him  with  a 
loathsome  disease  that  covered  his  whole  body. 

What  impression  did  his  affliction  make  on  Anti¬ 
ochus? 

Antiochus  repented  of  his  sins,  prayed  to  God  for 
health,  promised  to  cease  persecuting  the  Jews,  and  to 
publicly  proclaim  the  power  of  the  one  true  God. 

Did  God  hear  his  prayer? 

No,  God  did  not  hear  his  prayer. 

Why  did  God  not  hear  his  prayer? 

God  did  not  hear  his  prayer  because  his  sorrow  was 
not  supernatural. 

How  do  we  know  that  his  sorrow  was  not  super¬ 
natural  ? 

We  know  that  his  sorrow  was  not  supernatural  be¬ 
cause  he  repented  only  to  be  cured  of  his  sickness. 


The  Sacrifice  and  Deeds  of  Judas  Machabeus.  247 

When  is  our  contrition  or  sorrow  supernatural? 

Our  contrition  or  sorrow  is  supernatural  when  it  is 
prompted  by  the  grace  of  God  and  excited  by  motives 
which  spring  from  faith,  and  not  by  mere  natural 
motives. 

How  did  Antiochus  die? 

Antiochus  died  a  miserable  death  in  a  strange 
country. 

Who  was  Mathathias? 

Mathathias  was  a  Jewish  priest,  the  father  of  Judas 
Machabeus. 

For  what  was  Mathathias  known  ? 

Mathathias  was  known  for  his  zeal  for  religion. 

In  what  did  his  zeal  consist? 

His  zeal  consisted  in  his  earnest  desire  to  preserve 
the  faith  in  the  one  true  God. 

How  did  he  manifest  his  zeal? 

He  manifested  his  zeal  in  his  words  and  deeds. 

How  did  he  manifest  his  zeal  in  his  words? 

He  manifested  his  zeal  in  his  challenge  to  his  coun¬ 
trymen  to  fight  for  their  religion:  “Every  one  that 
hath  zeal  for  the  Law  and  maintaineth  the  Testament, 
let  him  follow  me.” 

How  did  he  manifest  his  zeal  in  his  deeds  ? 

He  manifested  his  zeal  in  his  deeds  by  striking 
down  a  Jew  who  was  about  to  offer  sacrifice  to  the 
idols. 

For  what  was  Judas  Machabeus  known? 

Judas  Machabeus  was  known  for  his  bravery,  his 
trust  in  God,  and  his  faith. 


248  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda, 

How  did  he  show  his  bravery? 

He  showed  his  bravery  by  fighting  like  a  lion  against 
the  enemies  of  his  country  and  his  religion. 

What  inspired  his  bravery? 

His  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God  and  his  love  of 
country  inspired  his  bravery. 

Should  we  love  our  country? 

Yes,  we  should  love  our  country7,  and  be  ready,  if 
necessary,  to  die  for  it.  But  we  should  love  God  even 
more  than  our  country. 

How  do  we  know  that  Judas  Machabeus  trusted  in 
God? 

We  know  that  he  trusted  in  God  because  he  always 
prayed  before  battle. 

How  did  Judas  show  his  faith? 

He  showed  his  faith  by  having  sacrifice  offered  for 
those  who  had,  by  reason  of  their  superstitious  prac¬ 
tices,  fallen  in  battle. 

What  does  this  prove? 

It  proves  that  Judas  Machabeus  and  the  Jews  of  his 
time  believed:  (1),  In  the  immortality  of  the  soul;  (2), 
In  purgatory;  (3),  In  the  communion  of  saints. 

Which  souls  go  to  purgatory  ? 

The  souls  of  the  just  who  depart  this  life  in  venial 
sin  or  without  having  done  sufficient  penance  go  to 
purgatory. 

How  long  will  purgatory  exist? 

Purgatory  will  exist  until  the  Hay  of  Judgment. 

How  do  we  know  that  there  is  a  purgatory? 

We  know  that  there  is  a  purgatory  from  the  teach¬ 
ing  and  practice  of  the  Church. 


The  Last  Days  before  the  Coming  of  Christ.  249 

What  does  the  Church  teach  concerning  purgatory  ? 

Concerning  purgatory  the  Church  teaches:  (1), 
That  there  is  a  purgatory;  (2),  That  the  soul  in  pur¬ 
gatory  can  be  helped  by  the  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass  and 
our  prayers. 

Why  should  we  pray  for  the  souls  in  purgatory  ? 

We  should  pray  for  the  souls  in  purgatory:  (1),  In 
order  to  shorten  their  suffering  and  hasten  their  enter¬ 
ing  into  heaven;  (2),  That  they  may  intercede  for  us; 
(3),  To  lay  up  merits  for  ourselves. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  pray  for  the  souls 
of  the  faithful  departed,  especially  our  parents, 
brothers,  and  sisters,  relatives  and  friends;  (2),  To  do 
penance  for  our  sins  in  this  life  that  we  may  not  have 
to  suffer  in  the  life  to  come. 

LXXXYIII.  THE  LAST  DAYS  BEFORE  THE 
COMING  OF  CHRIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  the  condition  of  things  among  the  Jews 
and  Gentiles  just  before  the  birth  of  Christ. 

What  was  the  condition  of  the  Jews  just  before  the 
birth  of  Christ? 

Just  before  the  birth  of  Christ  the  Jews  still  wor¬ 
shipped  God  with  their  lips,  hut  their  hearts  were  far 
from  Him.  They  were  divided  into  many  sects,  and 
had  fallen  under  the  sway  of  the  Romans. 

Which  were  the  principal  sects? 

The  principal  sects  were  the  Pharisees,  the  Saddu- 
cees,  and  the  Essenes. 


250  The  Destruction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Juda. 

Who  were  the  Pharisees? 

The  Pharisees  were  men  who  observed  the  Law 
outwardly,  and  performed  good  works  to  find  favor 
with  the  people.  They  were  hypocrites  who  imposed 
many  unnecessary  laws  on  the  Jews. 

Who  were  the  Sadducees? 

The  Sadducees  were  men  who  did  not  believe  in  the 
immortality  of  the  soul,  and  led  a  frivolous  and  wicked 
life. 

Who  were  the  Essenes? 

The  Essenes  were  strict  observers  of  the  Law,  led 
a  pious  life,  had  their  worldly  goods  in  common,  but 
did  not  frequent  the  Temple. 

In  how  far  had  the  Jews  fallen  under  the  sway  of 
the  Romans? 

The  Romans  had  taken  possession  of  Judea,  and 
had  made  Herod,  a  foreigner,  king  of  the  Jews. 

What  prophecy  do  we  see  fulfilled  in  this  fact? 

In  this  fact  we  see  the  fulfilment  of  the  prophecy 
of  Jacob,  that  the  sceptre  would  not  pass  from  Juda 
before  the  Messias  would  come. 

What  was  the  condition  of  the  heathens? 

The  heathens  were  sunk  in  idolatry,  immorality, 
and  misery. 

What  was  one  of  the  consequences  of  this  condition 
of  things? 

One  of  the  consequences  was  that  the  better  dis¬ 
posed  longed  more  ardently  for  a  Redeemer. 

What  would  have  happened  to  mankind  had  God 
not  sent  the  Redeemer? 

Had  God  not  sent  the  Redeemer  mankind  would 
have  been  excluded  forever  from  heaven. 


The  Last  Days  before  the  Coming  of  Christ.  251 

What  would  have  become  of  those  who  did  not 
commit  a  mortal  sin? 

Those  who  did  not  commit  a  mortal  sin  would  not 
be  admitted  to  heaven,  neither  would  they  be  con¬ 
demned  to  hell. 

Why  would  they  not  be  condemned  to  hell  ? 

They  would  not  be  condemned  to  hell  because  only 
those  who  are  guilty  of  actual  mortal  sin  are  punished 
in  hell. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  thank  Our  Lord 
for  having  redeemed  us  from  sin;  (2),  To  be  careful 
to  apply  to  our  soul  the  graces  of  the  Redemption. 


THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


I.  THE  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE  BIRTH  OF 
ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  in  the  reign  of  King  Herod,  an  angel 
announced  to  Zachary  the  birth  of  St.  John. 

How  many  kings  called  “  Herod  ”  are  mentioned  in 
the  New  Testament? 

Four  kings  called  Herod  are  mentioned. 

What  were  their  names? 

Their  names  were:  (1),  Herod  the  Great,  who 
ordered  the  slaughter  of  the  innocent  children  in  Beth¬ 
lehem;  (2),  Herod  Antipas,  who  had  St.  John  the 
Baptist  beheaded;  (3),  Herod  Agrippa  I.,  during  whose 
reign  St.  James  the  Elder  was  beheaded;  (4),  Herod 
Agrippa  II.,  before  whom  St.  Paul  defended  himself. 

Which  King  Herod  ruled  over  Judea  at  the  time  the 

birth  of  St.  John  was  announced? 

% 

Herod  the  Great  ruled  over  Judea  at  that  time. 

Why  does  the  Bible  mention  in  this  account  that 
Herod  governed  Judea? 

The  Bible  mentions  this  in  order  to  show  that  the 
sceptre  had  passed  from  Juda,  that  the  fulness  of  time 

253 


254 


The  New  Testament. 


had  come,  and  that  the  coming  of  the  Messias  was  at 
hand. 

Where  did  Zachary  and  Elizabeth  live? 

They  lived  in  a  little  village  in  the  mountains  of 
Judea. 

What  part  of  Palestine  was  called  Judea? 

The  southern  part  was  called  Judea. 

What  was  the  central  part  called? 

The  central  part  was  called  Samaria. 

What  was  the  northern  part  called? 

The  northern  part  was  called  Galilee. 

For  what  were  Zachary  and  Elizabeth  known? 

They  were  known  for  their  piety  and  their  fear  of 
the  Lord. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  feared  the  Lord? 

We  know  that  they  feared  the  Lord  because  they 
kept  His  Commandments. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  were  pious? 

We  know  that  they  were  pious  because  they  prayed 
a  great  deal. 

For  what  did  they  pray  in  particular? 

They  prayed  in  particular  for  a  son. 

How  did  they  pray? 

They  prayed  with  perseverance. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  prayed  with  persever¬ 
ance? 

We  know  that  they  prayed  with  perseverance  be¬ 
cause  they  were  not  discouraged  but  continued  to  pray 
when  God  did  not  hear  their  prayer  at  once. 


The  Birth  of  St.  John  the  Baptist.  255 

Did  God  hear  their  prayer  at  last? 

Yes,  God  heard  their  prayer  at  last  and  sent  an 
angel  to  announce  the  birth  of  a  son. 

What  does  the  word  “  angel  ”  mean? 

“  Angel  ”  means  messenger,  or  ambassador  of  God. 

What  message  did  the  angel  bring  to  Zachary? 

The  angel  told  him  that  his  prayer  had  been  heard, 
and  that  a  son  would  be  horn  to  him. 

What  name  was  he  to  give  his  son? 

He  was  to  call  him  John. 

What  does  the  word  “  John”  mean? 

“John”  means  a  gift  of  God. 

For  what  work  did  God  intend  St.  John? 

God  intended  St.  John  to  prepare  the  way  for  the 
coming  Redeemer. 

How  was  he  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  coming 
Redeemer? 

He  was  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  Redeemer  by 
preaching  penance. 

How  did  St.  John  preach  penance? 

St.  John  preached  penance  by  his  own  example,  by 
leading  a  most  strict  life,  and  by  his  words:  “Do 
penance,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.” 

With  what  other  preacher  of  penance  does  the  angel 
compare  St.  John? 

The  angel  compares  him  with  the  prophet  Elias, 
who  was  also  a  most  forcible  preacher  of  penance. 

Did  Zachary  believe  the  angel? 

Ho,  he  doubted  his  words. 

How  do  we  know  that  Zachary  doubted  ? 

We  know  that  he  doubted  because  he  said, 
“  Whereby  shall  I  know  this  ?  ” 


256 


The  Nexo  Testament, 


How  did  the  angel  show  Zachary  that  he  was 
telling  the  truth  ? 

He  called  Zachary  by  name  and  said:  “  I  am 
Gabriel,  who  stand  before  God:  and  am  sent  to  speak 
to  thee,  and  bring  thee  these  good  tidings.  And  be¬ 
hold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb  and  shalt  not  be  able  to 
speak,  until  the  day  wherein  these  things  shall  come  to 
pass,  because  thou  hast  not  believed  my  words.” 

What  does  the  name  “  Gabriel”  mean? 

“  Gabriel  ”  means  the  strength  of  God. 

Why  did  he  bear  this  name? 

He  bore  this  name,  because  he  was  to  announce  the 
coming  of  Christ,  “  the  Strong  One  ”  who  would  over¬ 
come  Satan. 

What  did  the  angel  do  then  to  Zachary? 

The  angel  caused  him  to  be  struck  dumb. 

How  would  this  punishment  prove  the  truth  of  the 
angel’s  words? 

This  sudden  punishment  would  show  Zachary  that 
the  angel  could  work  miracles  and  therefore  had  been 
sent  by  God. 

Which  Commandment  of  God  forbids  us  to  doubt  in 
matters  of  faith? 

The  first  Commandment  forbids  us  to  doubt  in 
matters  of  faith. 

How  do  we  sin  against  faith? 

We  sin  against  faith:  (1),  By  not  trying  to  know 
what  God  has  taught;  (2),  By  refusing  to  believe  all 
that  God  has  taught;  (3),  By  neglecting  to  profess  our 
belief  in  what  God  has  taught. 


The  Announcement  of  the  Birth  of  Jesus.  257 

Why  did  the  angel  punish  Zachary  by  making  him 
“  dumb  ”  and  not  in  some  other  way  ? 

The  angel  made  Zachary  dumb,  so  that  he  could 
not  reveal  the  mystery  made  known  to  him. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  with  perseverance. 

When  do  we  pray  with  perseverance  ? 

We  pray  with  perseverance  when  we  continue  to 
pray  fervently  even  if  our  prayer  is  not  heard  at  once. 


II.  THE  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE  BIRTH 

OF  JESUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  angel  Gabriel  foretold  the  birth 
of  Jesus. 

To  whom  was  the  birth  of  Jesus  announced? 

The  birth  of  Jesus  was  announced  to  Mary,  a  poor 
virgin. 

What  does  the  name  “  Mary  ”  mean  ? 

According  to  St.  Jerome,  Mary  means  “  the  star  of 
the  sea.” 

Why  was  this  name  given  to  the  Virgin? 

This  name  was  given  to  her  in  order  to  show  what 
God  intended  she  should  do. 

What  did  God  intend  Mary  to  do  ? 

God  intended  Mary  to  bring  Christ,  the  “  True 
Light,”  into  the  world. 

Who  called  Christ  a  “  light  ”  ? 

The  aged  Simeon  in  the  Temple  called  Christ  “  a 
light  to  the  revelation  of  the  Gentiles.” 


J7«f  JTew  Testament* 


eos 


Whv  do  we  call  Marv  **  star  of  the  sea  "  ? 

m  w 

We  call  Marv  “  -tar  of  the  sea.*'  because  she  is  our 

m 

star  of  hope  on  the  stormy  sea  of  this  life. 

To  what  family  Aid  Mary  belong? 

Mary,  as  well  as  her  spouse,  St.  Joseph,  belonged  to 
the  house  of  David. 

Who  were  the  parents  of  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

The  parents  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  were  Joachim 
and  Anna. 

Where  did  Marv  live? 

w 

Mary  lived  in  Nazareth. 

Where  is  Nazareth? 

Nazareth  is  in  the  southern  part  of  Galilee. 

What  was  the  principal  delight  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin? 

Her  principal  delight  was  prayer. 

Wha:  was  Mary  doing  when  the  angel  appeared  to 
her? 

When  the  angel  appeared  to  her  she  was  praying  in 
the  solitude  of  her  own  room. 

How  did  the  angel  address  Mary? 

He  addressed  her  with  these  w-rds:  "Had,  full  of 
grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee:  Blessed  art  thon  among 
women.** 

H:w  did  Mary  receive  the  salutation  of  the  angel? 

She  was  very  much  troubled  at  it. 

Why  was  she  troubled  ? 

She  was  troubled  because  of  the  great  honor  and 
respect  the  arnel  showed  her. 

H:w  did  the  angel  address  her? 

He  called  her  "  full  of  2Tace.‘? 


Th>.e  Announcement  of  the  Birth,  cf  Jesus.  259 

Why  did  he  give  her  this  Title  ? 

The  angel  gave  her  this  title  because  she  possessed 
an  abundance  of  graces,  and  w as  not  only  free  from 
original  sin.  but  also  from  actual  sin. 

How  was  Mary  free  from  original  sin? 

On  account  of  the  merits  of  her  divine  Son  Mary 
was  preserved  free  from  original  sin. 

Why  did  the  words  of  the  angel  trouble  Mary? 

The  words  of  the  angel  troubled  Mary  because  she 
did  not  consider  herself  worthv  of  the  honor  which 
they  implied. 

Of  what  was  this  a  sign? 

It  was  a  sim  of  her  deep  humility. 

Of  whom  does  Mary  remind  ns  here  ? 

Mary  in  her  humility  remind'  ns.  by  contrast,  of 
Eve.  who  in  her  pride  was  tempted  to  sin  by  the  natter¬ 
ing  words  of  Satan:  **  You  shall  be  as  gods.” 

Was  there  anv  other  reason  whv  Marv  was 

•  mm 

troubled  ? 

Yes:  she  feared  that  she  might  lose  her  virginity, 
which  she  had  vowed  to  God. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  feared  she  might  lose  her 
virginity  ? 

We  know  it  from  her  own  words  to  the  angel:  Hew 
shall  this  be  done,  because  I  know  not  man?  *' 

What  did  the  angel  answer? 

The  angel  answered:  **  The  Holy  Ghost  shaT  come 
upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Most  High  shall  over¬ 
shadow  thee.  And  therefore  also  the  Holy  which  shall 
be  bom  of  thee,  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  GodY 

What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words  ? 

These  words  mean  that  the  bodr  of  Chris:  wi?  to  be 

m 


260 


The  New  Testament. 


formed  in  the  womu  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  by  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

How  many  natures  are  there  in  Christ? 

In  Christ  there  are  two  natures:  divine  and  human. 

As  Christ  has  a  human  and  divine  nature,  what 
must  we  believe  of  Him? 

We  must  believe  that  Christ  is  true  God  and  true 
man. 

Which  article  of  the  Creed  teaches  that  Christ  is 
true  God  and  true  man? 

The  third  article  teaches  it. 

Did  the  angel  call  Christ  God? 

Yes,  he  called  Him  the  Son  of  God,  Son  of  the  Most 
High,  and  said  that  He  would  deliver  Ilis  people  from 
their  sins. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  announcement  of  the 
birth  of  Christ? 

We  celebrate  the  announcement  of  the  birth  of 
Christ  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  March,  the  Feast  of  the 
Annunciation. 

When  does  the  Church  remind  us  of  the  mystery 
of  the  Incarnation  of  Christ? 

The  Church  reminds  us  of  the  Incarnation  of  Christ 
three  times  a  day  by  ringing  the  Angelus  bell. 

What  should  we  do  when  the  Angelus  rings? 

As  often  as  the  Angelus  rings,  we  should  say  the 
Angelus,  beginning  “  The  angel  of  the  Lord  declared 
unto  Mary,”  etc. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  humble  and  pure  in 
thought,  word,  and  action. 


261 


The  Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin . 


III.  THE  VISITATION  OF  THE  BLESSED 

VIRGIN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Mary  went  to  visit  her  cousin 
Elizabeth  to  tell  her  of  the  good  news  which  the  angel 
had  brought. 

Where  did  Elizabeth  live  ? 

Elizabeth  lived  in  a  little  village  among  the  moun¬ 
tains  west  of  Jerusalem. 

Does  this  village  still  exist? 

Yes,  it  still  exists,  and  is  called  St.  John. 

Why  was  it  called  by  this  name  ? 

It  was  called  St.  John  because  St.  John  the  Baptist 
was  born  there. 

Why  did  Mary  visit  Elizabeth  ? 

Mary  visited  Elizabeth  to  tell  her  that  she  had 
become  the  Mother  of  God. 

Was  Elizabeth  aware  of  the  honor  that  had  been 
conferred  on  Mary? 

No,  but  as  soon  as  she  saw  Mary  the  Holy  Ghost 
revealed  the  mystery  to  her. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Holy  Ghost  revealed  this 
mystery  ? 

We  learn  this  from  the  words  which  Elizabeth  ad¬ 
dressed  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

How  did  she  address  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

Elizabeth  addressed  the  Blessed  Virgin  in  the  fol¬ 
lowing  words:  “  Blessed  art  thou  among  women,  and 
blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb.  And  whence  is  this 


262 


The  New  Testament. 


to  me,  that  the  Mother  of  my  Lord  should  come  to  me? 
For  behold  as  soon  as  the  voice  of  thy  salutation 
sounded  in  my  ears,  the  infant  in  my  womb  leaped  for 
joy.  And  blessed  art  thou  that  hast  believed;  because 
those  things  shall  be  accomplished,  that  were  spoken 
to  thee  by  the  Lord.” 

What  do  we  notice  about  the  greeting  of  Eliza¬ 
beth? 

The  greeting  of  Elizabeth  is  the  natural  continua¬ 
tion  of  the  angel's  salutation. 

What  may  we  conclude  from  the  greeting  of  Eliza¬ 
beth? 

We  may  conclude  from  this  that  the  same  person 
who  sent  the  angel  and  inspired  him  to  greet  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  also  spoke  through  Elizabeth,  namely 
God  Himself. 

How  do  we  know  that  Elizabeth  was  aware  of  the 
sublime  dignity  of  Mary? 

We  know  it  from  her  own  words:  “Whence  is  this 
to  me,  that  the  Mother  of  my  Lord  should  come  to 
me?” 

What  title  does  the  Holy  Ghost  confer  on  Mary  by 
these  words  of  Elizabeth? 

He  calls  her  the  “  Mother  of  the  Lord.” 

What  virtue  does  Elizabeth  praise  in  the  Blessed 
Virgin  ? 

She  praises  her  faith. 

How  does  she  praise  her  faith? 

She  praises  Mary’s  faith  in  the  following  words: 
“  Blessed  art  thou  that  hast  believed.” 

With  whose  faith  may  Mary’s  be  contrasted? 

Mary’s  faith  may  be  contrasted  with  Eve’s. 


The  Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  263 

In  what  does  this  contrast  consist? 

Eve  would  not  believe  the  word  of  almighty  God, 
and  brought  down  a  curse  on  the  whole  human  race, 
but  Mary  believed  Him  and  brought  us  all  peace  and 
happiness. 

How  could  Elizabeth  call  Mary  the  “  Mother  of 
God  ”  ? 

Elizabeth  could  call  Mary  the  “  Mother  of  God,” 
because  the  same  person  who  is  the  Son  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  is  also  God. 

Did  Jesus  have  a  father  also? 

Ho,  as  man  He  did  not  have  a  father. 

Who  was  St.  Joseph? 

St.  Joseph  was  the  foster  father  of  Jesus. 

What  follows  from  this  truth,  that  Mary  is  the 
Mother  of  God? 

It  follows:  (1),  That  Mary  is  above  all  the  angels 
and  saints;  (2),  That  every  one  who  loves  Jesus  must 
respect  His  Mother. 

Do  we  adore  Mary  ? 

Ho,  we  only  venerate  her. 

Is  there  any  difference  between  the  adoration  we 
offer  to  God  and  the  veneration  we  pay  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin  ? 

Certainly  there  is:  we  adore  God  as  our  Supreme 
Master,  to  whom  we  owe  everything;  we  venerate  Mary 
because  of  the  dignity  which  God  has  seen  fit  to  confer 
upon  her. 

What  reply  did  Mary  make  to  the  greeting  of  her 
cousin? 

She  answered  her  in  the  words  of  the  Magnificat. 


264 


The  New  Testament. 


How  is  the  Magnificat  divided? 

It  is  divided  into  three  parts. 

What  does  Mary  say  in  the  first  part  of  the  Mag¬ 
nificat? 

In  the  first  part  Mary  praises  God  because  He 
willed  the  Incarnation  of  II is  divine  Son. 

What  does  she  say  in  the  second  part? 

In  the  second  part  Mary  thanks  God  for  having 
chosen  her  to  be  the  Mother  of  llis  Son. 

What  does  she  say  in  the  third  part? 

In  the  third  part  Mary  prophesies  that  she  will  be 
honored  unceasingly  till  the  end  of  time. 

Which  are  the  words  of  her  prophecy? 

The  words  of  her  prophecy  are  the  following:  “  Be¬ 
hold  from  henceforth  all  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed.'’ 

When  and  where  is  the  prophecy  of  Mary  being 
fulfilled  ? 

The  prophecy  of  Mary  is  being  fulfilled  daily  in  the 
Catholic  Church. 

What  does  this  prove? 

It  proves  that  the  Catholic  Church  is  the  only  true 
Church. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  to  love  her  tenderly. 

Why  should  we  pray  to  her? 

We  should  pray  to  her  because  she  is  so  powerful 
as  Mother  of  God. 

Why  should  we  love  her? 

We  should  love  her  because  she  is  our  Mother. 
Jesus  became  our  Brother  wdien  He  assumed  our 

■  .  , 


I 


The  Birth  of  St.  John  the  Baptist.  2G5 

nature,  consequently  Mary  became  our  Mother  at  the 
moment  of  the  Incarnation. 


IV.  THE  BIRTH  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  St.  John  was  bom  at  the  time  fore¬ 
told  by  the  angel. 

Who  foretold  the  time  of  St.  John’s  birth? 

The  angel  Gabriel  foretold  the  time  of  his  birth. 

To  whom  did  he  foretell  it? 

He  foretold  it  to  Zachary. 

Was  the  prediction  fulfilled? 

Yes,  the  prediction  was  fulfilled  when  Elizabeth 
brought  forth  a  son. 

What  was  his  name  ? 

His  name  was  John. 

When  did  he  receive  this  name? 

He  received  it  at  his  circumcision. 

Why  was  a  name  given  at  circumcision? 

Circumcision  was  similar  to  our  Baptism;  in  the 
New  Law  a  child  receives  a  name  when  admitted  by 
Baptism  into  the  Church,  in  the  Old  Law  he  was 
named  when  he  was  received  into  the  covenant  which 
God  had  made  with  Abraham. 

Was  circumcision  an  extraordinary  ceremony? 

Yes,  circumcision  was  an  extraordinary  ceremony 
to  which  all  the  relatives  were  invited. 

Were  others  besides  the  invited  guests  present? 

Yes,  there  were  usually  ten  witnesses  present,  one 
of  whom  was  expected  to  answer  the  prayers. 


266 


The  New  Testament. 


Does  this  remind  us  of  any  custom  in  the  New 
Testament  ? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  necessity  of  having  sponsors 
at  Baptism. 

Why  are  sponsors  necessary? 

Sponsors  are  necessary:  (1),  In  order  to  make  a 
profession  of  faith  for  the  person  to  be  baptized;  (2), 
To  provide  for  the  religious  education  of  the  child  in 
case  its  parents  fail  to  do  so. 

What  name  was  given  to  the  child  of  Zachary  at 
its  circumcision  ? 

It  was  called  John. 

Did  the  relatives  agree  to  this  name? 

No,  they  wanted  to  call  the  child  after  its  father, 
Zachary. 

Who  opposed  their  wish? 

Elizabeth  opposed  the  wish  of  the  relatives,  and 
said  his  name  shall  be  John. 

Whence  did  Elizabeth  know  that  this  was  to  be  the 
child’s  name? 

Probably  God  revealed  it  to  her. 

Who  settled  the  dispute? 

Zachary  settled  the  dispute  by  writing  on  a  piece  of 
paper,  “  John  is  his  name.” 

What  happened  then? 

Immediately  after  he  had  written  the  name  his 
tongue  was  loosed  and  he  began  to  speak  and  praise  the 
Lord. 

What  is  his  hymn  of  praise  called? 

It  is  called  the  Benedictus. 

How  is  the  Benedictus  divided? 

The  Benedictus  is  divided  into  two  parts. 


The  Birth  of  St.  John  the  Baptist.  267 


What  does  Zachary  say  in  the  first  part  ? 

In  the  first  part  Zachary  praises  the  divine  plan  of 
the  Redemption,  which  was  about  to  be  carried  out. 

What  does  Zachary  say  in  the  second  part  ? 

In  the  second  part  Zachary  refers  to  the  mission  of 
St.  John  in  the  work  of  the  Redemption. 

In  what  did  this  mission  consist  ? 

St.  John’s  mission  consisted  in  preparing  the  way 
for  the  Redeemer  by  exhorting  the  people  to  penance. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  birthday  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist? 

We  celebrate  his  birthday  on  the  twenty-fourth  of 
June. 

Do  we  celebrate  the  birthday  of  any  other  saint  ? 

Yes,  we  also  celebrate  the  birthday  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin. 

Do  we  celebrate  the  birthday  of  the  rest  of  the 
saints  ? 

No,  we  celebrate  the  day  of  their  death. 

Why  do  we  celebrate  the  birthday  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  ? 

We  celebrate  the  birthday  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
because  on  that  day  she  was  born  without  sin. 

Was  St.  John  also  born  without  sin? 

Yes,  St.  John  was  born  without  sin. 

Is  there  no  difference  between  Mary  and  St.  John 
in  this  respect? 

Yes,  there  is  a  great  difference  between  them;  Mary 
was  free  from  sin  at  the  moment  of  her  conception, 
when  her  soul  was  united  to  her  body.  St.  John  was 
conceived  in  sin,  but  freed  from  it  before  his  birth. 


268 


The  New  Testament. 


Which  is  more  Catholic,  to  celebrate  our  birthday 
or  our  namesday? 

It  is  more  Catholic  to  celebrate  our  namesday. 

Why  should  we  celebrate  our  namesday? 

We  should  celebrate  our  namesday  because  on  the 
day  we  were  given  a  name  in  Baptism  we  received  the 
life  of  grace. 

Where  did  St.  John  spend  his  youth? 

St.  John  lived  till  his  thirtieth  year  in  the  desert, 
and  served  God  by  fasting  and  prayer. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  solitude  and  morti¬ 
fication. 


Y.  THE  BIRTH  OF  CHRIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  was  born  in  a  stable  at  Beth¬ 
lehem. 

To  whom  was  the  Incarnation  first  revealed? 

It  was  first  revealed  to  Mary  and  Elizabeth. 

To  whom  was  it  revealed  afterwards? 

It  was  afterwards  revealed  to  St.  Joseph. 

Who  revealed  it  to  him? 

An  angel  revealed  it  to  him. 

How  was  it  revealed  to  him  ? 

It  was  revealed  to  him  in  a  dream. 

What  did  the  angel  say  to  St.  Joseph? 

The  angel  told  Joseph  not  to  fear  to  take  Mary  for 
his  spouse  because  she  was  with  child,  for  she  had  con- 


The  Birth  of  Christ . 


269 


ceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  that  the  Child’s  name 
would  be  Jesus  because  He  would  save  His  people  from 
their  sins. 

Why  was  this  revealed  to  St.  Joseph? 

It  was  revealed  to  St.  Joseph  because  he,  being  the 
spouse  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  had  a  right  to  know  it, 
and  in  order  that  he  might  be  the  foster  father  of 
Jesus. 

What  does  the  word  “ Jesus”  mean? 

“  Jesus  ”  means  saviour  or  redeemer. 

When  was  this  name  given  to  the  Child? 

This  name  was  given  Him  at  His  circumcision. 

Why  was  He  called  Jesus? 

He  was  called  Jesus  because  He  was  to  save  His 
people  from  their  sins. 

What  does  “  Christ  ”  mean  ? 

“  Christ  ”  means  the  anointed. 

Why  is  Jesus  called  "the  anointed  ”? 

Jesus  is  called  "the  anointed”  because  in  the  Old 
Law  the  prophets,  kings,  and  priests  were  anointed; 
now  in  the  New  Law,  Jesus  is  our  King,  our  Priest,  and 
our  Prophet. 

Did  the  Roman  Emperor  Augustus  issue  an  edict 
about  this  time  ? 

Yes,  he  decreed  that  all  the  Jews  should  he  en¬ 
rolled. 

What  right  did  the  Roman  Emperor  have  to  com¬ 
mand  the  Jews? 

The  Roman  Emperor  had  a  right  to  command  the 
Jews  because  they  had  become  subjects  of  the  Roman 
Empire. 


270 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  Augustus  issue  this  decree? 

Augustus  issued  this  decree:  (1),  In  order  to  take  a 
census  of  all  the  people;  (2),  In  order  to  regulate  the 
taxes. 

Where  were  they  obliged  to  be  enrolled? 

Each  one  was  obliged  to  be  enrolled  in  the  city  to 
which  his  family  belonged. 

Where  did  Mary  and  Joseph  have  to  go? 

They  had  to  go  to  the  city  of  Bethlehem. 

Why  did  they  have  to  go  to  Bethlehem? 

They  had  to  go  to  Bethlehem  because  they  be¬ 
longed  to  the  family  of  David,  who  was  bom  in  Beth¬ 
lehem. 

Did  they  obey  the  command  of  the  emperor? 

Yes,  they  obeyed  his  command. 

What  virtue  does  their  action  teach  us? 

It  teaches  us  the  virtue  of  obedience. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  “  Bethlehem  ”  ? 

“  Bethlehem  ”  means  the  house  of  bread. 

Has  it  a  deeper  meaning? 

Yes,  it  reminds  us  of  the  birth  of  Him  who  gave  us 
Himself,  the  Bread  from  heaven,  in  the  Blessed  Sacra¬ 
ment. 

Did  Mary  and  St.  Joseph  find  lodging  in  Jerusalem? 

No,  they  did  not,  and  hence  were  obliged  to  take 
shelter  in  a  stable  outside  of  the  city. 

Where  is  Bethlehem? 

Bethlehem  is  about  five  miles  south  of  Jerusalem. 

What  was  this  stable  used  for? 

It  was  used  by  the  shepherds  to  protect  themselves 
and  their  flocks  against  the  stormy  wreather. 


The  Birth  of  Christ. 


271 


Where  was  Jesus  born? 

Jesus  was  born  in  this  stable. 

How  did  Jesus  enter  this  world? 

He  entered  this  -world  in  the  greatest  poverty. 

Why  did  He  enter  this  world  in  poverty? 

Jesus  entered  the  world  in  poverty,  in  order  to 
console  the  poor  and  to  show  the  world  that  poverty 
is  not  a  crime. 

Which  of  the  prophets  foretold  that  Bethlehem  was 
to  be  the  birthplace  of  the  Redeemer? 

The  prophet  Micheas  foretold  that  Bethlehem 
would  be  the  birthplace  of  the  Redeemer. 

How  did  he  foretell  it  ? 

He  foretold  it  in  the  following  words:  “  And  thou 
Bethlehem  Ephrata  art  a  little  one  among  the  thou¬ 
sands  of  Juda:  for  out  of  thee  shall  He  come  forth 
unto  me  that  is  to  be  the  Ruler  in  Israel.” 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  birth  of  Jesus? 

We  celebrate  His  birth  on  the  twenty-fifth  of 
December. 

Has  the  Christmas  tree  a  spiritual  meaning? 

Yes,  it  reminds  us  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  which 
became  the  curse  of  the  human  race,  and  the  tree  of 
the  cross  on  which  Jesus  died  for  our  sins. 

What  do  the  candles  on  the  tree  remind  us  of? 

The  candles  remind  us  of  the  light  of  faith  which 
Jesus  by  His  birth  brought  into  the  world. 

What  do  the  presents  signify  ? 

The  presents  signify  the  graces  which  Jesus  brings 


us. 


272 


The  New  Testament. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  the  poor  and  to 
practice  the  virtues  of  humility  and  obedience. 


VI.  THE  SHEPHERDS  AT  TIIE  CRIB  AND  THE 

CIRCUMCISION. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  pious  shepherds  came  to  adore 
the  Infant  Jesus  in  the  crib,  and  (2),  That  after  eight 
days  the  divine  Infant  was  circumcised. 

To  whom  was  the  birth  of  Jesus  first  announced? 

The  birth  of  Jesus  was  announced  first  to  some  poor 
shepherds  that  were  keeping  night  watch  over  their 
flocks. 

Who  announced  it  to  them? 

An  angel  announced  it. 

What  did  the  angel  say  to  them? 

The  angel  said  to  them:  “  Fear  not:  for  behold,  I 
bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy,  that  shall  be  to  all 
the  people:  For  this  day  is  born  to  you  a  Saviour,  who 
is  Christ  the  Lord,  in  the  city  of  David.  And  this  shall 
be  a  sign  unto  you;  you  shall  find  the  Infant  wrapped 
in  swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  in  a  manger.” 

What  happened  then? 

Then  there  appeared  a  great  multitude  of  angels 
who  praised  the  Lord  and  sang:  “  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest,  and  on  earth  peace  to  men  of  good  will.” 

Why  did  they  sing  “  glory  to  God  ”  ? 

They  sang  “  glory  to  God  ”  because  the  whole  life 


Shepherds  at  the  Crib  and  the  Circumcision.  273 

of  the  new-born  Infant  was  the  greatest  external  glory 
that  could  be  offered  to  God. 

Why  did  they  sing  “  peace  to  men  of  good  will  ”  ? 

They  sang  “  peace  to  men  of  good  will  ”  because 
our  divine  Saviour  in  the  crib  brought  peace  to  all  men. 

What  kind  of  peace  did  Jesus  bring? 

Jesus  brought  a  three-fold  peace:  (1),  Peace  with 
God;  (2),  Peace  with  ourselves;  (3),  Peace  with  our 
neighbor. 

Is  this  the  reason  why  He  is  called  the  “  Prince  of 
Peace  ”  ? 

Yes,  for  this  reason  He  is  called  the  “  Prince  of 
Peace.” 

To  whom  is  this  peace  given  ? 

This  peace  is  given  only  to  “  men  of  good  will.” 

When  are  we  men  of  good  will  ? 

We  are  men  of  good  will  when  we  preserve  the 
grace  of  God  in  our  hearts. 

Was  the  spiritual  peace  which  Jesus  brought  us 
symbolized  in  any  way? 

Yes,  it  was-  symbolized  by  the  universal  peace  that 
reigned  throughout  the  world  under  the  Emperor  Au¬ 
gustus  at  the  birth  of  J esus. 

Did  the  shepherds  believe  the  angels? 

Yes,  they  hastened  to  Bethlehem  and  found  the 
Infant  as  the  angel  described  Him;  falling  down  they 
adored  Him. 

What  does  this  show  ? 

It  shows  that  they  believed  Him  to  be  God. 

When  did  the  circumcision  take  place  ? 

The  circumcision  took  place  eight  days  after  the 
birth  of  Jesus, 


274 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  Jesus  submit  Himself  to  be  circumcised? 

He  submitted  Himself  to  be  circumcised:  (1),  In 
order  to  acknowledge  the  Law  of  the  Old  Testament; 
(2),  In  order  to  show  that  He  was  a  descendant  of 
Abraham;  (3),  To  prove  that  His  body  was  real,  against 
those  heretics  who  claimed  it  was  only  apparent;  (4), 
To  give  us  an  example  of  humility,  obedience,  and  mor¬ 
tification. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Circum¬ 
cision? 

We  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Circumcision  on  New 
Years  day. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  the  Divine  Infant 
who  was  born  for  us  in  the  crib  at  Bethlehem. 

VII.  THE  PRESENTATION  OF  JESUS  IN 

THE  TEMPLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Mary  and  Joseph,  after  forty  days, 
presented  Jesus  in  the  Temple  according  to  the  Jewish 
Law. 

How  many  laws  were  they  fulfilling  by  this  act  ? 

They  were  fulfilling  two  laws  by  this  act:  the  puri¬ 
fication  of  the  mother  and  the  sanctification  of  the 
first-born  male. 

Were  Jesus  and  Mary  subject  to  these  laws? 

No,  they  were  not  subject  to  these  laws. 

Why  was  Mary  not  subject  to  the  law  of  purifica¬ 
tion? 

Mary  was  not  subject  to  the  law  of  purification 
because  she  always  remained  a  virgin. 


The  Presentation  of  Jesus  in  the  Temple.  275 

Why  was  Jesus  not  subject  to  the  law  of  sanctify¬ 
ing  the  first-born  male  ? 

Jesus  was  not  subject  to  the  law  of  sanctifying  the 
first-born  male  because  He,  being  God,  did  not  need  to 
be  made  holy,  for  He  is  holiness  itself. 

Why  did  they  nevertheless  fulfil  the  law? 

They  fulfilled  the  Law  because  the  mystery  of  the 
Incarnation  was  not  yet  known,  and  by  refusing  to 
fulfil  the  law  they  would  have  given  bad  example. 

What  should  we  learn  from  their  fulfilment  of  the 
law? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  practice  the  virtues  of 
humility  and  obedience. 

How  was  the  law  of  purification  fulfilled  ? 

The  law  of  purification  was  fulfilled  by  offering 
sacrifice. 

In  what  did  the  sacrifice  consist? 

The  rich  were  required  to  offer  a  lamb  and  a  turtle 
dove,  but  the  poor  were  obliged  to  offer  only  two  doves. 

Which  sacrifice  did  Mary  and  Joseph  offer? 

They  offered  the  sacrifice  of  the  poor. 

Where  did  they  offer  the  sacrifice? 

They  offered  it  in  the  Temple. 

Whom  did  they  find  in  the  Temple? 

They  found  there  a  God-fearing  old  man  called 
Simeon. 

Had  Simeon  received  any  special  favor  from 
almighty  God? 

Yes,  God  had  revealed  to  him  that  he  would  not 
die  until  he  had  seen  the  Redeemer, 


276 


The  New  Testament. 


Did  he  recognize  in  the  Infant  the  divine  Re¬ 
deemer? 

Yes,  the  Holy  Ghost  revealed  it  to  him. 

What  virtue  did  this  show? 

It  showed  Simeon’s  firm  faith. 

When  is  our  faith  firm  ? 

Our  faith  is  firm  when  we  believe  “  without  the 
least  doubt”  all  that  God  has  revealed. 

How  did  Simeon  show  his  joy? 

Simeon  showed  his  joy  by  singing  a  hymn  of  praise. 

How  is  the  hymn  divided  ? 

It  is  divided  into  two  parts.  In  the  first  part 
Simeon  praises  God,  in  the  second  part  he  prophesies. 

Repeat  the  words  of  this  hymn. 

“  Now  Thou  dost  dismiss  Thy  servant,  0  Lord, 
according  to  Thy  word,  in  peace:  Because  my  eyes  have 
seen  Thy  salvation,  which  Thou  hast  prepared  before 
the  face  of  all  peoples.  A  light  to  the  revelation  of  the 
Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  Thy  people  Israel.”  Then 
Simeon  turned  to  Mary  and  said:  “  Behold,  this  Child 
is  set  for  the  fall,  and  for  the  resurrection  of  many  in 
Israel,  and  for  a  sign  which  shall  be  contradicted:  And 
thy  own  soul  a  sword  shall  pierce.” 

Why  does  Simeon  praise  God? 

Simeon  praises  God  for  the  three  blessings  which 
the  Redeemer  brought  us:  Light,  peace,  and  eternal 
happiness. 

To  whom  does  his  prophecy  refer? 

It  refers  to  Jesus  and  Mary. 

What  does  he  prophesy  of  Jesus? 

He  prophesies  that  the  coming  of  Jesus  will  be  the 
source  of  eternal  life  for  all  who  believe  in  Him  and 


The  Adoration  of  the  Magi.  277 

keep  His  Commandments;  but  for  all  who  refuse  to 
believe  in  Him  and  keep  His  Commandments,  it  will  be 
the  occasion  of  everlasting  death. 

What  did  he  prophesy  of  the  Blessed  Virgin? 

He  prophesied  that  a  sword  would  pierce  her  soul. 

What  does  this  prophecy  mean? 

It  means  that  the  suffering  of  Jesus  was  to  cause 
Mary,  His  Mother,  much  pain  and  sorrow. 

Was  any  one  else  beside  Simeon  in  the  Temple  at 
the  time? 

Yes,  the  prophetess  Anna  was  also  there. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  presentation  of  Our  Lord 
in  the  Temple  ? 

We  celebrate  Our  Lord’s  presentation  in  the  Temple 
on  the  second  of  February:  Candlemas  day. 

Why  is  this  feast  called  Candlemas  ? 

It  is  called  Candlemas  because  on  this  day  candles 
are  blessed. 

Of  what  does  the  blessing  of  the  candles  remind  us  ? 

The  blessing  of  the  candles  reminds  us  of  the  light 
which  Jesus  brought  to  the  Gentiles. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  thank  God  for  the 
true  faith  to  which  He  has  called  us. 

VIII.  THE  ADORATION  OF  THE  MAGI. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  three  wise  men  came  from  the  East 
to  adore  the  Child  Jesus. 

Whence  did  they  come? 

In  all  probability  they  came  from  Babylon. 


278 


The  New  Testament . 


What  were  they  ? 

They  were  very  learned  men,  priests  who  spent 
much  time  in  the  study  of  astronomy. 

What  led  the  Magi  to  Jerusalem? 

A  star  led  them  to  Jerusalem. 

Whither  did  they  go  after  they  reached  Jerusalem? 

Having  reached  Jerusalem  they  went  to  the  court 
of  Herod,  and  said  to  him:  “  Where  is  He  that  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews?  For  we  have  seen  His  star  in  the 
East,  and  are  come  to  adore  Him.” 

What  impression  did  their  words  make  on  Herod? 

He  feared  very  much. 

Why  did  he  fear? 

He  feared  that  the  new-born  King  of  the  Jews 
would  deprive  him  of  his  throne. 

Who  answered  the  Wise  Men? 

The  Scribes,  who  sent  them  to  Bethlehem,  an¬ 
swered  them. 

Why  did  the  Scribes  refer  them  to  Bethlehem? 

The  Scribes  referred  them  to  Bethlehem  on  ac¬ 
count  of  the  prophecy  of  Micheas:  “  And  thou,  Bethle¬ 
hem  Ephrata,  art  a  little  one  among  the  thousands  of 
Juda;  for  out  of  thee  shall  He  come  forth  unto  me 
that  is  to  be  the  Ruler  in  Israel.” 

What  did  Herod  say  to  the  Magi? 

He  told  them  to  go  to  Bethlehem,  and  after  they 
had  found  the  Child  to  return  to  him,  so  that  he,  too, 
might  go  to  adore  Him. 

Did  Herod  really  intend  to  adore  the  new-born 
King? 

No,  Herod  was  a  hypocrite,  who  did  not  mean  what 


The  Adoration  of  the  Magi . 


279 


he  said.  He  wished  to  find  out  where  the  new-horn 
King  was,  in  order  to  put  Him  to  death. 

Did  the  Magi  continue  their  journey? 

Yes,  they  continued  their  journey  till  they  came  to 
Bethlehem,  where  they  found  the  divine  Infant  with 
Mary  His  Mother. 

Did  they  believe  that  the  Child  was  the  Son  of  God  ? 

Yes,  they  believed  that  the  Child  was  the  Son  of 
God,  because  they  “  adored  ”  Him. 

What  virtue  did  they  practise  by  doing  this? 

By  adoring  the  Infant  they  practised  the  virtue  of 
faith. 

Of  what  should  the  adoration  of  the  Infant  remind 
us? 

The  adoration  of  the  Infant  should  remind  us  of 
the  necessity  of  adoring  the  same  Infant  under  the 
“  appearances  ”  of  bread  and  wine  in  the  Blessed 
Sacrament. 

What  did  the  Magi  offer  ? 

The  Magi  offered  three  gifts:  gold,  frankincense, 
and  myrrh. 

Why  did  they  offer  incense  ? 

They  offered  incense  to  show  that  they  believed 
that  Christ  was  God. 

Why  did  they  offer  gold  ? 

They  offered  gold  in  order  to  publicly  acknowledge 
the  Child  Jesus  as  “  the  King  of  heaven  and  earth.” 

Why  did  they  offer  myrrh  ? 

They  offered  myrrh  in  order  to  show  that  they 
believed  that  J esus  was  man  and  was  to  suffer  and  die. 

Did  the  star  have  any  smybolical  meaning  ? 

Yes,  the  star  was  a  symbol  of  our  holy  faith. 


280 


The  New  Testament. 


Did  the  Magi  return  home  the  same  way? 

No,  God  led  them  by  another  road  into  their  own 
country. 

Why  did  God  lead  them  back  by  a  different  road? 

God  led  them  back  by  a  different  road  to  frustrate 
the  plans  of  the  wicked  King  Herod. 

Which  attribute  of  God  does  this  show? 

It  shows  His  omniscience,  that  He  knows  all  things. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  follow  the  light  of  our 
faith,  for  it  will  lead  us  to  God. 


IX.  THE  FLIGHT  INTO  EGYPT  AND  THE 
RETURN  TO  NAZARETH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Mary  and  Joseph  took  the  Child 
Jesus  and  fled  into  Egypt,  and  remained  there  until  the 
death  of  Herod,  when  they  returned  to  Nazareth. 

Did  Herod  expect  the  Magi  to  return? 

Yes,  because  he  had  asked  them  to  report  to  him 
after  they  had  found  the  new-horn  King,  so  that  he  too 
might  go  and  adore  Him. 

Was  Herod’s  intention  sincere? 

No,  he  wished  to  put  the  Child  Jesus  to  death. 

Did  the  Magi  do  as  Herod  requested  ? 

No,  an  angel  commanded  them  not  to  pay  any 
attention  to  Herod,  but  to  return  by  a  different  route 
into  their  own  country. 


Flight  into  Egypt  and  the  Return  to  Nazareth.  281 

What  did  Herod  do  when  the  Magi  did  not  return 
to  him? 

When  the  Magi  did  not  return,  Herod  commanded 
that  all  the  male  children  of  Bethlehem  and  the  sur¬ 
rounding  country,  under  two  years,  should  be  put  to 
death. 

Why  did  he  give  this  cruel  command? 

He  gave  this  cruel  command  because  he  expected 
in  this  way  to  find  Jesus  and  put  Him  to  death. 

Who  are  the  first  martyrs  ? 

The  first  martyrs  are  the  innocent  children  of  Beth¬ 
lehem  that  shed  their  blood  for  Christ. 

Has  the  slaughter  of  the  Holy  Innocents  a  sym¬ 
bolical  meaning? 

Yes,  the  Fathers  tell  us  that  it  is  a  symbol  of  the 
persecution  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Inno¬ 
cents  ? 

We  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Innocents  three 
days  after  Christmas. 

Did  Herod  succeed  in  his  evil  design  ? 

No,  the  Child  Jesus  escaped  in  the  most  wonderful 
manner. 

How  did  Jesus  escape? 

An  angel  appeared  to  J oseph  and  told  him  to  take 
the  Child  and  its  Mother  and  flee  into  Egypt. 

Why  did  the  angel  command  Joseph  to  flee  into 

Egypt t 

The  angel  commanded  Joseph  to  flee  into  Egypt , 
because  the  Jews  were  allowed  to  practise  their  religion 
in  Egypt. 

What  road  did  they  take  into  Egypt? 

They  took  the  road  through  the  desert. 


282 


The  New  Testament. 


Was  Egypt  a  pagan  country? 

Yes,  Egypt  was  a  pagan  country. 

Did  God  reward  Egypt  for  having  received  Jesus? 

Yes,  Egypt  was  among  the  first  countries  converted 
to  Christianity;  holy  men  and  women  retired  to  its 
deserts  to  spend  their  life  in  solitude  and  prayer,  and 
at  Alexandria  the  earliest  Christian  universities  were 
founded. 

How  long  did  the  Holy  Family  remain  in  Egypt? 

They  remained  there  until  the  death  of  Herod. 

How  did  Herod  die? 

He  was  taken  with  a  most  disgusting  disease,  and 
died  in  great  pain. 

Whither  did  the  Holy  Family  go  after  Herod’s 
death? 

At  the  command  of  the  angel  they  returned  to 
Nazareth. 

Who  was  the  protector  of  the  Child  Jesus? 

St.  Joseph  was. 

Why  should  we  pray  to  St.  Joseph? 

We  should  pray  to  St.  Joseph:  (1),  Because  he  is 
the  foster  father  of  Jesus;  (2),  Because  he  is  the  patron 
of  the  whole  Catholic  Church;  (3),  In  order  to  obtain 
the  grace  of  a  happy  death. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  trust  in  the  providence 
of  God,  who  does  all  things  for  the  best. 


Jesus  in  the  Temjple . 


283 


X.  JESUS  IX  THE  TEMPLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  went  up  to  the  Temple  when 
He  was  twelve  years  old,  and  remained  there  after  Mary 
and  St.  Joseph  had  begun  their  journey. 

Why  did  Mary  and  Joseph  go  up  to  Jerusalem 
every  year  at  Easter? 

They  went  up  to  Jerusalem,  because  according  to 
the  Jewish  Law  every  male  Israelite  was  obliged  to 
appear  in  the  Temple  at  the  three  principal  feasts. 

Were  the  women  also  obliged  to  go  ? 

Ho,  but  usually  they  accompanied  their  husbands 
on  this  pilgrimage. 

Which  were  the  three  principal  feasts  of  the  Jews? 

The  three  principal  feasts  of  the  Jews  were  the 
Passover,  the  Feast  of  the  Tabernacles,  and  the  Feast 
of  Atonement. 

Which  of  these  feasts  did  Jesus  celebrate  at  this 
time? 

He  celebrated  the  Feast  of  the  Passover. 

How  old  was  He  at  the  time? 

He  was  twelve  years  old. 

How  long  did  the  Holy  Family  remain  in  Jeru¬ 
salem  ? 

They  remained  in  Jerusalem  until  the  feast-days 
were  over. 

Did  Jesus  return  with  them? 

Ho,  He  remained  in  Jerusalem. 


284 


The  New  Testament. 


Did  His  parents  know  that  He  had  remained  behind  ? 

No,  they  supposed  that  He  was  with  some  of  their 
relatives  in  the  company. 

When  did  they  miss  Him? 

They  missed  Him  on  the  evening  of  the  first  day. 

What  did  they  do  when  they  did  not  find  Him 
among  their  friends? 

Filled  with  fear  and  anxiety  they  returned  to  Jeru¬ 
salem  to  seek  Him  there. 

When  did  they  find  Jesus? 

They  found  Him  on  the  third  day. 

Where  did  they  find  Him? 

They  found  Him  in  the  Temple. 

What  was  He  doing  in  the  Temple? 

He  was  sitting  among  the  Doctors  of  the  Law, 
listening  to  them  and  asking  them  questions. 

Why  did  He  do  this? 

He  did  this  in  order  to  reveal  His  divine  wisdom. 

What  did  the  Blessed  Virgin  say  to  Him? 

She  said  to  Him:  “  Son,  why  hast  Thou  done  so  to 
us?  behold  Thy  father  and  I  have  sought  Thee  sorrow- 
mg.” 

Did  Mary  wish  to  reprove  Jesus  by  these  words? 

No,  her  words  were  only  the  natural  expression  of 
U  mother’s  grief  for  her  lost  son. 

Why  was  it  impossible  for  Mary  to  reprove  Jesus? 

It  was  impossible  for  her  to  reprove  Jesus,  because 
she  knew  He  was  God  and  that  He  did  not  act  through 
disobedience,  but  in  accordance  with  the  command  of 
His  heavenly  Father. 

What  did  Jesus  answer  Mary? 

Jesus  answered  her:  “  How  is  it  that  you  sought 


Jesus  in  the  Temple. 


285 


Me?  did  you  not  know  that  I  must  be  about  the  things 
that  are  My  Father’s?  ” 

Is  this  answer  important? 

Yes,  it  is  important  because  it  is  a  proof  of  the 
divinity  of  Jesus;  for  He  calls  God  His  Father. 

Was  this  three  days’  separation  from  His  parents  a 
figure  of  anything? 

Yes;  it  was  a  figure  of  the  separation  of  Christ’s 
soul  from  His  body;  the  former  was  in  Limbo  while  the 
latter  was  in  the  holy  sepulchre. 

Whither  did  Jesus  go  with  His  parents? 

He  went  to  Nazareth. 

What  did  Our  Saviour  do  in  Nazareth? 

He  lived  there  in  solitude,  was  subject  to  His 
parents,  and  increased  in  wisdom  and  age. 

How  was  Jesus  subject  to  His  parents? 

He  helped  them  in  their  work,  and  did  whatever 
they  asked  of  Him. 

Why  was  Jesus  subject  to  His  parents? 

Jesus  was  subject  to  His  parents:  (1),  In  order  to 
give  us  an  example  of  obedience,  and  (2),  To  honor 
labor. 

How  do  children  sin  against  obedience  ? 

Children  sin  against  obedience:  (1),  By  not  obey¬ 
ing  their  parents  at  all  or  unwillingly;  (2),  By  not 
listening  to  the  advice  of  their  parents. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1)?  To  imitate  Mary  and 
Joseph  in  their  observance  of  the  precepts  of  the  Old 
Law,  and  not  to  fail  to  hear  Mass  on  Sundays  and 
holydays  of  obligation;  (2),  Like  Jesus  we  should  love 


286 


The  New  Testament . 


to  be  in  church  and  listen  to  instruction;  (3),  We 
should  be  obedient  to  our  parents. 


XI.  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST,  THE  FORE¬ 
RUNNER  OF  CHRIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  St.  John  the  Baptist  prepared  the 
way  for  the  coming  of  Christ. 

How  long  did  Jesus  remain  in  Nazareth? 

He  remained  there  until  His  thirtieth  year. 

Who  was  chosen  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  coming 
of  Christ? 

St.  John  the  Baptist  was  chosen. 

How  was  he  chosen? 

He  was  called  by  God  to  preach  penance  to  the 
people,  and  to  prepare  them  for  the  coming  of  Jesus. 

Where  did  St.  John  first  appear? 

St.  John  first  appeared  on  the  banks  of  the  Jordan, 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Dead  Sea. 

How  did  he  appear? 

He  appeared  as  a  penitent. 

How  was  he  dressed? 

He  was  clothed  in  camel’s  hair,  with  a  leathern 
girdle  around  his  loins. 

Of  what  did  his  food  consist? 

His  food  consisted  of  wild  honey  and  locusts. 

What  did  St.  John  preach? 

He  cried  out:  “  Do  penance,  for  the  kingdom  of 
God  is  at  hand.” 


/St.  John  the  Baptist ,  the  Forerunner  of  Christ.  287 

What  was  the  meaning  of  the  words  “  the  kingdom 
of  God  is  at  hand  ”  ? 

“  The  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand  ”  meant  that  the 
Redeemer,  and  His  kingdom  the  Church,  which  leads 
all  men  to  heaven,  were  near  at  hand. 

Did  St.  John  do  anything  else  besides  preach? 

He  also  baptized  the  people  in  the  Jordan. 

Was  the  baptism  of  St.  John  a  sacrament? 

No,  it  was  not  a  sacrament. 

Why  was  it  not  a  sacrament  ? 

It  was  not  a  sacrament  because  it  did  not  really 
cause  the  grace  which  it  signified. 

What  did  it  signify? 

It  signified  that  sanctification  which  was  caused  by 
doing  penance. 

Of  what  was  it  a  type? 

It  was  a  type  of  the  baptism  of  Christ,  which  really 
produces  in  the  soul  the  grace  it  signifies. 

Does  St.  John  speak  of  the  difference  between  his 
own  baptism  and  the  baptism  of  Christ? 

Yes,  he  says:  “  I  indeed  baptize  you  in  water  unto 
penance;  but  He  that  shall  come  after  me  is  mightier 
than  I.  .  .  .  He  shall  baptize  you  in  the  Holy  Ghost  and 
in  fire.” 

What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament  which  cleanses  us  from 
original  sin,  makes  us  Christians,  children  of  God  and 
heirs  of  heaven. 

How  is  the  soul  cleansed  from  original  sin  ? 

The  soul  is  cleansed  from  original  sin  by  Baptism. 

Did  the  people  listen  to  St.  John? 

Yes,  and  they  publicly  confessed  their  sins. 


288 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  they  publicly  confess  their  sins? 

The  people  publicly  confessed  their  sins  in  order  to 
obtain  forgiveness. 

Why  must  we  also  confess  our  sins  to  obtain  for¬ 
giveness  ? 

We  must  confess  our  sins  to  obtain  forgiveness  be¬ 
cause  Christ  has  instituted  the  Sacrament  of  l’enance 
for  that  purpose. 

Were  all  who  listened  to  St.  John  touched  by  his 
words  ? 

No,  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  remained  stub¬ 
born,  and  would  not  be  converted. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  would  not  be  converted? 

We  know  this,  from  the  words  that  St.  John  ad¬ 
dressed  to  them. 

How  did  he  address  them? 

He  addressed  them  as  follows:  “Ye  brood  of 
vipers,  who  hath  showed  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come?  Bring  forth,  therefore,  fruit  worthy  of  penance, 
and  think  not  to  say  within  yourselves:  ‘  We  have 
Abraham  for  our  Father,  for  I  tell  you  that  God  is  able 
of  these  stones  to  raise  up  children  to  Abraham.  For 
now  the  axe  is  laid  to  the  root  of  the  trees.  Every  tree, 
therefore,  that  doth  not  yield  good  fruit,  shall  be  cut 
down  and  cast  into  the  fire/  ” 

Who  did  many  think  St.  John  was? 

Many  thought  that  he  was  the  promised  Messias. 

Did  St.  John  correct  this  belief? 

Yes,  for  he  said:  “  I  am  not  the  Christ.  I  am  the 
voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness,  make  straight  the 
way  of  the  Lord.  But  the  One  who  will  come  after  me, 
is  preferred  before  me,  the  latchet  of  whose  shoe  I  am 
not  worthy  to  loose,” 


The  Baptism  of  Jesus. 


289 


Why  did  St.  John  say  that  he  was  not  worthy  to 
untie  the  latchet  of  Christ’s  shoe? 

He  said  this  in  his  humility,  because  it  was  the 
work  of  the  slave  to  tie  and  untie  the  shoe-strings  of 
his  master. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  the  spirit  of  humility  and 
mortification. 


XII.  THE  BAPTISM  OF  JESUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  was  baptized  by  St.  John  in 
the  Jordan. 

How  old  was  Jesus  when  He  was  baptized  by  St. 
John? 

Jesus  was  thirty  years  old  when  He  was  baptized. 

Did  St.  John  recognize  Jesus  as  the  Messias  when  he 
saw  Him? 

Yes,  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost  he  recognized 
Jesus  as  the  Messias. 

How  do  we  know  this  ? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  St.  John  to 
Christ:  “I  ought  to  he  baptized  by  Thee  and  comest 
Thou  to  me?  ” 

Did  Christ  need  to  be  baptized? 

Ho,  Christ  did  not  need  to  he  baptized  because  He 
is  without  sin. 

Why,  then,  did  He  insist  on  being  baptized? 

Christ  insisted  on  being  baptized:  (1),  To  give  us 
an  example  of  obedience;  (2),  To  appear  as  a  sinner,  as 


290 


The  New  Testament. 


He  was  going  to  take  upon  Himself  the  sins  of  the 
world. 

What  happened  when  Jesus  was  baptized? 

When  Jesus  was  baptized,  the  Holy  Ghost  de¬ 
scended  upon  Him  in  the  form  of  a  dove,  and  a  voice 
was  heard  saying:  “  This  is  My  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I 
am  well  pleased.” 

What  did  the  supernatural  appearance  of  the  dove 
signify  ? 

It  signified  the  innocence  and  meekness  of  our 
divine  Saviour. 

When  was  Baptism  instituted? 

Baptism  was  instituted  when  Christ  was  baptized  in 
the  Jordan.  The  contact  of  His  most  pure  flesh  im¬ 
parted  to  the  waters  the  power  of  cleansing  from  sin. 

Which  are  the  effects  of  Baptism? 

Baptism  produces  in  the  soul  sanctifying  grace, 
which  cleanses  us  from  original  sin  and  also  from  actual 
sin  (if  we  are  guilty  of  any),  and  gives  us  a  right  to 
heaven;  it  also  infuses  into  the  soul  the  theological 
virtues  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity;  it  remits  all  punish¬ 
ment  due  to  sin  and  imprints  an  indelible  character  in 
the  soul. 

Why  are  they  called  “theological”  virtues? 

They  are  called  theological  from  the  Greek  word 
“  Theos,”  which  means  God;  they  refer  directly  to  God. 


The  Temptation  of  Jesus  in  the  Desert.  291 


XIII.  THE  TEMPTATION  OF  JESUS  IN 

THE  DESERT. 

Whither  did  Christ  go  after  His  baptism? 

After  His  baptism  Christ  went  into  the  desert 
northwest  of  Jericho. 

What  did  He  do  in  the  desert? 

He  fasted  and  prayed. 

How  long  did  He  fast  ? 

He  fasted  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

Has  the  number  forty  a  symbolical  meaning? 

Yes,  the  Israelites  were  forty  years  in  the  desert; 
the  spies  who  were  sent  to  explore  the  land  of  Chanaan 
were  gone  forty  days;  the  city  of  Ninive  did  penance 
for  forty  days,  and  Moses  and  Elias  fasted  forty  days. 

Why  did  Our  Lord  fast? 

Our  Lord  fasted  to  teach  us  that  by  penance  we 
obtain  the  grace  of  God  and  eternal  life. 

Which  precept  of  the  Church  commands  us  to  fast  ? 

The  second  precept  of  the  Church  commands  us  to 
fast. 

What  happened  about  this  time  ? 

About  this  time  Satan  approached  Jesus  and 
tempted  Him. 

How  many  times  did  Satan  tempt  Him  ? 

He  tempted  Jesus  three  times. 

What  was  the  first  temptation  ? 

The  first  was  a  temptation  to  gluttony. 

What  was  the  second  temptation  ? 

The  second  was  a  temptation  to  pride. 


292 


The  New  Testament. 


What  was  the  third? 

The  third  was  a  temptation  to  avarice. 

Was  Jesus  tempted  interiorly? 

Jesus  was  not  tempted  interiorly;  it  was  only  a 
temptation  from  without. 

Why  could  not  Jesus  be  tempted  from  within,  or 
why  could  there  never  be  a  struggle  in  the  soul  of 
Jesus? 

He  could  not  be  tempted  from  within  because  He  is 
God. 

How  many  wills  are  there  in  Christ  ? 

In  Christ  there  are  two  wills:  the  divine  will  and 
a  human  will. 

Why  did  Jesus  permit  Himself  to  be  tempted  by  the 
devil  ? 

Jesus  permitted  Himself  to  be  tempted:  (1),  To 
humble  Himself;  (2),  To  show  at  the  very  entrance  of 
His  public  life  His  power  over  Satan;  (3),  To  show  us 
how  we  should  act  in  temptation. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  overcome  temptation  by 
fasting  and  prayer. 

XIV.  THE  FIRST  DISCIPLES  OF  JESUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Jesus  chose  His  first  disciples. 

What  does  St.  John  the  Baptist  call  Our  Lord? 

He  calls  Him  “  the  Lamb  of  God.” 

Was  there  any  type  of  the  Lamb  of  God  in  the  Old 
Testament  ? 

Yes,  the  paschal  lamb  was  a  type  of  the  Lamb  of 
God. 


The  First  Disciples  of  Jesus. 


293 


Did  the  prophets  describe  Jesus  as  a  lamb? 

Yes,  especially  the  prophet  Isaias. 

How  did  St.  John  give  public  testimony  of  Jesus? 

St.  John  gave  public  testimony  when  he  said: 
“  This  is  He  of  whom  I  said:  After  me  there  cometh  a 
man  who  is  preferred  before  me.  .  .  .  And  I  gave  testi¬ 
mony  that  this  is  the  Son  of  God.” 

What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words  of  St.  John? 

They  mean  that  Jesus  as  man  is  younger  than  St. 
John,  but  as  God  He  is  from  all  eternity. 

Where  was  the  Lamb  of  God  sacrificed? 

The  Lamb  of  God  was  sacrificed  on  Mount  Calvary. 

Which  is  the  sacrifice  of  the  New  Law? 

The  sacrifice  of  the  New  Law  is  the  sacrifice  of  the 
cross  and  its  unbloody  renewal,  the  Holy  Mass. 

Why  did  Christ  sacrifice  Himself  for  us  ? 

Christ  sacrificed  Himself  for  us  in  order  to  satisfy 
for  our  sins. 

What  happened  after  this  testimony  of  St.  John? 

After  this  testimony  two  of  St.  John’s  disciples  left 
him  and  followed  Jesus. 

Who  led  the  first  Apostles  to  Jesus? 

St.  John  led  the  first  Apostles  to  Jesus. 

What  were  the  names  of  the  three  first  Apostles? 

The  three  first  Apostles  were  Simon  Peter,  Andrew, 
and  John. 

Why  did  Jesus  change  the  name  of  Simon? 

J esus  changed  his  name  to  show  that  He  had  called 
him  to  a  very  high  office. 


294 


The  New  Testament. 


What  did  Our  Saviour  call  him? 

He  called  him  Peter,  which  means  a  rock. 

What  did  He  make  St.  Peter? 

lie  made  St.  Peter  the  foundation  of  His  Church. 

What  were  the  names  of  the  other  Apostles  whom 
Our  Lord  called  on  this  occasion? 

The  other  Apostles  were  Philip  and  Bartholomew. 

How  did  they  respond  to  the  call  of  Jesus? 

They  responded  most  cheerfully:  St.  Philip  ex¬ 
pressed  his  joy  in  the  following  words:  “  We  have  found 
Him  of  whom  Moses  in  the  Law,  and  the  prophets  did 
write,  Jesus,  the  Son  of  Joseph  of  Nazareth.”  And 
Nathanael  exclaimed,  “  Rahbi,  Thou  art  the  Son  of 
God;  Thou  art  the  King  of  Israel.” 

Aie  their  words  important? 

Yes,  they  are  important  because  they  show'  that 
Philip  and  Nathanael  believed  Jesus  to  be  the  Messias 
and  the  Son  of  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  thank  God  for  having 
called  us  to  the  true  faith. 


XY.  JESUS’  FIRST  MIRACLE  AT  CANA. 
What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  changed  water  into  wine  at 
the  marriage-feast  of  Cana. 

Where  is  Cana? 

Cana  is  in  Galilee. 

Who  were  present  at  this  marriage-feast  ? 

Jesus,  Mary  and  the  Apostles  of  Jesus  were  present. 


Jesus'  First  Miracle  at  Cana. 


295 


What  happened  during  the  wedding-feast? 

The  wine  gave  out. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  wine  gave  out? 

We  know  it  from  the  words  of  Mary:  “  They  have 
no  wine.” 

What  do  her  words  show? 

Her  words  show:  (1),  Her  thoughtfulness  for  the 
bridal  party  and  the  guests;  (2),  Her  confidence  in  her 
divine  Son. 

What  did  Jesus  answer? 

He  answered:  “  Woman,  what  is  it  to  Me  and  to 
thee?  My  hour  is  not  yet  come.” 

Why  did  Jesus  address  Mary  as  “  woman  ”  and  not 
as  mother  ? 

Jesus  did  this  in  order  to  show  that  some  of  the 
tender  ties  that  bound  Him  to  Mary  His  Mother  were 
about  to  he  severed. 

How  were  these  ties  to  be  severed? 

They  were  to  be  severed  because  Jesus  was  about 
to  leave  His  home  at  Nazareth,  and  enter  public  life  to 
do  the  work  of  His  heavenly  Father. 

Did  Jesus  use  the  expression  “  woman  ”  on  any 
other  occasion? 

Yes,  He  also  used  this  expression  “  woman  ”  when, 
dying  on  the  cross,  He  entrusted  Mary  to  the  care  of 
St.  John. 

Why  did  He  prefer  to  use  the  word  “  woman  ” 
rather  than  mother? 

Jesus  preferred  to  use  the  word  “  woman  ”  because 
He  would  not  increase  the  pain  of  parting  by  remind¬ 
ing  Mary  that  she  was  being  separated  from  her  Son. 


296 


The  New  Testament . 


Did  Mary  conclude  from  the  words  of  Jesus  that  He 
would  grant  her  request? 

Yes,  for  she  said  to  the  servants,  “  Whatsoever  lie 
shall  say  to  you,  do  ye.” 

How  did  Jesus  grant  Mary’s  request? 

Jesus  granted  her  request  by  working  a  miracle. 

What  is  a  miracle? 

A  miracle  is  a  work  that  cannot  be  performed  by 
the  powers  of  nature,  and  hence  can  he  brought  about 
only  by  a  being  to  whom  nature’s  powers  are  subject. 

Why  did  Jesus  perform  this  miracle? 

Jesus  performed  this  miracle:  (1),  To  lead  men  to 
believe  in  His  divine  mission;  (2),  To  show  His  willing¬ 
ness  to  help  men  in  their  need,  and  relieve  them  in  em¬ 
barrassment. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  he  always  ready  to 
help  the  needy;  (2),  To  pray  to  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary. 


XVI.  THE  EXPULSION”  OF  THE  BUYERS  AND 
SELLERS  AND  THE  MONEY-CHANGERS 
FROM  THE  TEMPLE  AND  THE  CONVERSA¬ 
TION  WITH  NICODEMUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  drove  the  buyers  and  sellers 
and  the  money-changers  from  the  Temple,  and  that 
He  taught  Nicodemus. 

How  many  times  had  Jesus  gone  up  to  the  Temple 
before  the  events  related  in  this  lesson  took  place? 

He  had  gone  up  to  the  Temple  only  once. 


The  Expulsion  of  the  Money-changers .  297 

What  were  some  of  the  people  doing  when  Jesus 
entered  the  Temple  ? 

When  Jesus  entered  the  Temple  some  were  buying 
and  selling  oxen,  doves,  and  sheep  to  be  sacrificed  in 
the  Temple,  while  others  were  changing  the  Roman 
and  Grecian  money  into  the  Jewish  coin:  the  Temple 
tax  had  to  he  paid  in  J ewish  money. 

What  did  Our  Lord  do  when  He  saw  how  they  were 
acting  in  the  Temple  ? 

He  made  a  whip  of  small  cords,  and  drove  them  all 
out  of  the  Temple. 

Was  Our  Lord  angry? 

Yes,  He  was  angry  because  these  people  were  dese¬ 
crating  the  house  of  God. 

What  do  Christ’s  words  on  this  occasion  prove? 

His  words  prove  that  He  is  God,  because  He  calls 
the  house  of  God  the  house  of  His  Father. 

Did  He  prove  that  He  is  God  in  any  other  way? 

Yes.  He  showed  that  He  knew  the  future  as  only 
God  can,  when  He  foretold  that  the  Jews  would  put 
Him  to  death  and  that  He  would  arise  on  the  third  day. 

Which  are  the  strongest  proofs  of  the  divinity  of 
Christ  ? 

The  strongest  proofs  of  Christ’s  divinity  are  His 
miracles. 

How  do  we  know  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God  ? 

We  know  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God:  (1),  From 
the  predictions  of  the  prophets;  (2),  From  the  testi¬ 
mony  of  His  heavenly  Father;  (3),  From  His  own  testi¬ 
mony;  (4),  From  the  teaching  of  His  Apostles;  (5), 
From  the  teaching  of  the  Catholic  Church. 


298 


The  New  Testament. 


What  impression  did  Christ’s  miracles  make  on  the 
people? 

Many  of  them  became  Ilis  Apostles  and  disciples, 
and  followed  Him  ever  afterwards. 

Can  you  mention  one  whose  name  occurs  in  this 
lesson? 

Yes,  Nicodemus. 

What  important  truth  did  Jesus  make  known  to 
Nicodemus? 

Jesus  made  known  to  him  the  necessity  of  Baptism. 

Why  is  Baptism  the  most  necessary  Sacrament? 

Baptism  is  the  most  necessary  because  without  it 
we  cannot  be  saved. 

What  else  did  our  divine  Lord  teach  Nicodemus? 

He  taught  him:  (1),  That  there  are  three  divine 
persons  in  God;  (2),  He  foretold  His  suffering  and 
death  on  the  cross  when  He  said  to  Nicodemus:  “  As 
Moses  lifted  up  the  serpent  in  the  desert,  so  must  the 
Son  of  man  he  lifted  up;  that  whosoever  believeth  in 
Him  may  not  perish,  hut  may  have  life  everlasting  ”; 
(3)^  He  taught  him  why  He  was  to  die;  (4),  He  taught 
him  the  necessity  of  faith. 

Why  did  Jesus  sutfer  and  die? 

Jesus  suffered  and  died  for  our  sins. 

Why  is  faith  necessary? 

Faith  is  necessary  because  without  it  it  is  impossible 
to  please  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  always  at¬ 
tentive  and  devout  in  church;  (2),  To  thank  God  for  the 
grace  of  Baptism. 


Jesus  at  the  Well  of  Jacob. 


299 


XVII.  JESUS  AT  THE  WELL  OF  JACOB. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  the  meeting  of  Jesus  and  the  Samaritan 
woman. 

Which  part  of  Palestine  is  called  Samaria? 

Samaria  is  the  central  part  of  Palestine. 

What  was  the  name  of  the  city  that  Jesus  ap¬ 
proached  ? 

It  was  called  Sichem. 

Is  this  city  mentioned  in  the  Old  Testament? 

Yes,  Abraham  erected  here  the  first  altar  after  his 
entrance  into  the  land  of  Chanaan;  here  Jacob  lived 
after  his  return  from  Haran,  bought  a  field  and  dug  a 
well  which  was  called  after  him  Jacob's  well. 

Whom  did  Jesus  meet  at  the  well? 

He  met  a  Sichemite  woman  who  was  living  in 
adultery. 

Against  which  Commandment  did  she  sin  ? 

She  sinned  against  the  sixth  Commandment. 

What  does  the  sixth  Commandment  forbid? 

The  sixth  Commandment  forbids  all  unchaste  free¬ 
dom  with  another's  wife  or  husband;  also  all  im¬ 
modesty  with  ourselves  or  others,  in  looks,  dress, 
words  or  actions. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  the  Samaritan  woman? 

He  said:  “Give  Me  to  drink." 

Was  the  woman  surprised  at  this  request? 

The  woman  was  surprised  at  this  request  because 
the  Jews  did  not  converse  with  the  Samaritans  on  ac¬ 
count  of  the  feeling  of  hatred  which  existed  between 


300 


The  New  Testament. 


them.  The  Samaritans  had  tried  to  prevent  the  build¬ 
ing  of  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

Was  she  ready  to  grant  Jesus’  request? 

Yes,  she  was  ready  to  grant  His  request. 

Which  are  the  corporal  works  of  mercy? 

The  corporal  works  of  mercy  are  seven:  (1),  To 
feed  the  hungry;  (2),  To  give  drink  to  the  thirsty;  (3), 
To  clothe  the  naked;  (4)?  To  shelter  the  homeless;  (5), 
To  visit  the  sick;  (6),  To  ransom  the  captive;  (7),  To 
bury  the  dead. 

How  did  Our  Lord  reward  the  Samaritan  woman  ? 

He  rewarded  her  by  promising  to  give  her  living 
water. 

What  did  He  mean  by  “  living  water  ”  ? 

By  “  living  water  ”  Our  Lord  meant  the  grace  of 

God. 

How  many  kinds  of  grace  are  there  ? 

There  are  two  kinds  of  grace:  actual  grace  and 
sanctifying  grace. 

What  does  actual  grace  do  ? 

Actual  grace  enlightens  the  mind  and  moves  the 
will  to  avoid  evil  and  do  good. 

How  does  actual  grace  accomplish  this? 

Actual  grace  accomplishes  this:  (1),  By  awakening 
the  mind  and  heart,  and  this  is  called  “  preceding  ” 
grace;  (2),  By  assisting  the  mind  and  heart,  and  this  is 
called  concomitant  grace;  (3),  By  continuing  to  help 
the  mind  and  heart,  lest  they  grow  weary  of  doing 
good,  and  this  is  called  subsequent  grace. 

Does  grace  work  without  our  co-operation? 

Yo,  unless  we  work  with  grace  it  is  of  no  benefit 
to  us. 


Jesus  at  the  Well  of  Jacob. 


301 


Did  the  Samaritan  woman  co-operate  with  grace? 

Yes,  she  co-operated  with  grace. 

How  did  she  co-operate  with  it? 

When  Onr  Lord  promised  to  give  her  grace  she 
believed  Him;  when  Jesns  reproached  her  with  her 
sins  she  confessed  them;  when  He  revealed  Himself  as 
the  Messias  she  believed  in  Him,  and  sought  to  induce 
her  people  to  share  her  belief. 

Why  did  she  believe  Jesus  to  be  a  prophet? 

She  believed  Jesus  to  be  a  prophet  because  He 
knew  of  her  sins. 

What  did  she  do  when  she  found  out  that  He  was  a 
prophet  ? 

When  she  found  out  that  He  was  a  prophet  she  sub¬ 
mitted  for  His  decision  the  chief  disputed  question  be¬ 
tween  the  Jews  and  Samaritans. 

What  was  the  disputed  question  between  the  Jews 
and  Samaritans? 

The  Samaritans  claimed  that  God  should  he 
adored  on  Mount  Garazim,  while  the  Jews  held  that 
He  was  to  be  worshipped  in  the  Temple  at  Jerusalem. 

How  did  Christ  settle  the  dispute? 

He  said  that  the  question  would  be  of  no  impor¬ 
tance  in  the  future. 

Why  would  it  be  of  no  importance  ? 

It  would  be  of  no  importance  because  a  new  divine 
worship  was  going  to  he  established. 

Would  this  new  divine  worship  differ  from  that  of 
the  Jews  and  Samaritans? 

Yes,  for  (1),  It  would  not  be  confined  to  one  people, 
hut  would  he  spread  over  the  whole  world;  (2),  The 
new  worship  would  be  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 


302 


The  New  Testament. 


What  does  it  mean  “  to  worship  in  spirit  and  in 
truth  ”  ? 

A  great  deal  of  the  divine  worship  of  the  Old  Law 
consisted  in  exterior  ceremonies,  and  at  the  time  of 
Christ  it  had  degenerated  into  an  almost  exclusively 
outward  service;  the  worship  of  the  New  I>aw,  while 
not  excluding  exterior  service,  will  be  more  interior 
and  come  more  from  the  heart;  (2),  All  the  sacrifices 
of  the  Old  Law  were  only  types  of  the  real,  “  true  ” 
sacrifice  of  the  New  I>aw. 

How  do  we  adore  God? 

We  adore  God  by  acts  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity, 
by  prayer  and  sacrifice. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it;  (1),  To  pray  with  atten¬ 
tion;  (2),  To  co-operate  with  the  grace  of  God. 

XVIII.  JESUS*  SERMON  AT  NAZARETH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Jesus  preached  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Nazareth. 

Which  part  of  Palestine  is  called  Galilee? 

The  northern  part  is  called  Galilee. 

What  did  Our  Saviour  do  in  Galilee? 

He  preached  the  Gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 

What  do  we  mean  by  the  “  Gospel  of  the  kingdom 
of  God  ”t 

By  the  “  Gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  God  ”  we  mean 
the  glad  tidings  of  the  coming  of  the  Redeemer. 

What  did  Jesus  do  on  entering  the  synagogue? 

On  entering  He  read  a  passage  from  the  prophet 
Isaias. 


Jesus'  Sermon  at  Nazareth. 


303 


Repeat  this  passage. 

“  The  spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  Me;  wherefore  He 
hath  anointed  Me  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor. 
He  hath  sent  Me  to  heal  the  contrite  of  heart,  to 
preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  sight  to  the 
blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruised,  to  preach 
the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord  and  the  day  of  re¬ 
ward.” 

Did  the  Jews  understand  to  whom  this  passage 
referred? 

Yes,  they  understood  that  it  referred  to  the 
Messias. 

What  did  Jesus  say  after  He  had  read  this  passage? 

After  having  read  this  passage,  He  said:  “  This  day 
is  fulfilled  this  Scripture  in  your  ears.” 

What  did  He  mean  by  these  words? 

He  meant  that  the  words  of  the  prophet  were  ful¬ 
filled  in  Himself. 

Did  they  believe  in  Jesus? 

No,  they  did  not  believe  in  Jesus,  for  they  said: 
“  Is  not  this  the  son  of  Joseph?” 

Why  did  they  call  Him  the  son  of  Joseph? 

They  called  Him  the  son  of  Joseph  because  Joseph 
was  His  foster  father. 

Mention  some  of  the  prophecies  concerning  the 
Messias  which  were  fulfilled  in  Jesus. 

The  prophets  foretold  that  the  Messias:  (1),  Was 
to  be  born  in  Bethlehem;  (2),  At  a  time  when  the 
Temple  would  still  be  standing;  (3)?  When  the  Jews 
would  no  longer  be  an  independent  people;  (4),  That 
He  would  be  preceded  by  a  forerunner,  who  would 


804 


The  New  Testament . 


preach  in  the  desert;  (5),  Daniel  foretold  that  Tie 
would  appear  four  hundred  and  eighty-three  years  after 
the  building  of  the  Temple. 

Did  the  inhabitants  of  Nazareth  co-operate  with 
God’s  grace? 

No,  they  did  not  co-operate  with  God's  grace. 

Can  we  resist  the  grace  of  God? 

Yes,  we  can  resist  the  grace  of  God  because  our 
will  is  free. 

Why  did  the  inhabitants  of  Nazareth  resist  the 
grace  of  God  and  refuse  to  believe  in  Jesus? 

They  resisted  the  grace  of  God:  (1),  Because  they 
were  worldly-minded;  they  expected  that  their  Messias 
would  he  a  powerful  worldly  prince;  (2),  Because  they 
were  jealous  that  the  son  of  a  carpenter  (whom  they 
considered  Jesus)  was  greater  than  they  were. 

Did  Jesus  perform  a  miracle  on  this  occasion? 

Yes;  when  the  people  got  angry  at  His  words  and 
would  cast  Him  down  from  the  top  of  a  mountain, 
He  filled  them  with  a  great  fear  which  prevented  them 
from  even  touching  Him  while  He  passed  through  the 
midst  of  them. 

What  does  this  miracle  show? 

It  shows  that  no  one  could  harm  Jesus  against  Ilis 
will. 

Did  Jesus  suffer  and  die  for  us  willingly? 

Yes,  for  no  one  could  force  Him  to  die. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  make  good  use  of  God’s 
grace. 


The  Miracles  of  Jesus  at  Capharnaum.  305 


XIX.  THE  MIRACLES  OF  JESUS  AT 
CAPHARNAUM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  miracles  which  Christ  wrought  in 
Capharnaum. 

Where  is  Capharnaum? 

Capharnaum  is  on  the  northwestern  part  of  the 
Lake  of  Genesareth. 

What  was  Capharnaum? 

Capharnaum  was  a  very  busy  commercial  city. 

What  did  Jesus  do  in  Capharnaum? 

He  preached  in  the  synagogue. 

What  happened  while  He  was  preaching? 

While  He  was  preaching  a  person  possessed  hy  the 
devil  cried  out:  “  Let  us  alone;  what  have  we  to  do  with 
Thee,  Jesus  of  Nazareth:  art  Thou  come  to  destroy  us? 
1  know  who  Thou  art:  the  Holy  One  of  God.” 

How  did  the  devil  possess  persons? 

He  possessed  persons,  in  as  far  as  he  had  control  of 
the  members  of  their  body  and  their  senses. 

What  did  Jesus  do  then? 

He  drove  the  devil  out  of  the  possessed  person. 

What  did  this  show? 

It  showed  that  Jesus  is  God. 

May  people  be  possessed  even  at  the  present  time  ? 

Yes,  it  is  possible. 

Who  can  drive  out  devils  at  the  present  time? 

The  Catholic  Church  can  drive  out  devils;  she  gives 
this  power  to  all  clerics  when  she  confers  on  them  the 
minor  order  of  Exorcism. 


306 


The  New  Testament. 


Whither  did  Jesus  go  after  He  left  the  synagogue? 

After  He  left  the  synagogue  He  went  into  the 
house  of  Simon  Peter. 

What  happened  there? 

The  mother-in-law  of  St.  Peter  was  sick,  and  Jesus 
was  asked  to  cure  her. 

Did  Jesus  grant  the  request? 

Yes,  He  granted  it. 

How  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray:  (1),  With  attention;  (2),  With 
humility;  (3),  With  confidence;  (4),  With  resignation  to 
the  will  of  God;  (5),  With  perseverance. 

For  whom  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  for  all  men,  for  the  living  and  the 
dead,  for  our  parents,  relatives,  and  friends,  for  our 
lawful  superiors  and  even  for  our  enemies. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  for  our  sick  friends 
and  relatives. 

XX.  THE  MIRACULOUS  DRAUGHT  OF  FISHES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  miracle  of  the  draught  of  fishes. 

Had  the  Lake  of  Genesareth  another  name? 

Yes,  it  was  also  called  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 

How  large  is  the  Sea  of  Galilee? 

The  Sea  of  Galilee  is  about  sixteen  miles  long,  and 
about  eight  miles  wide. 

For  what  was  it  famous  ? 

It  was  famous  for  its  good  fishing. 

What  did  Jesus  do  when  He  came  to  the  lake? 

He  entered  the  boat  of  St.  Peter  and  his  brother 
Andrew,  and  preached  to  the  people. 


The  Miracles  of  Jesus  at  Capharnaum.  307 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  He  had  concluded  His 
sermon  ? 

After  Jesus  had  concluded  His  sermon  He  com¬ 
manded  St.  Peter  to  let  down  his  net  for  a  draught. 

What  was  the  result? 

St.  Peter's  net  was  filled  at  once  with  a  great  multi¬ 
tude  of  fishes. 

What  did  St.  Peter  say  when  he  beheld  this  miracle  ? 

He  prostrated  himself  at  the  feet  of  Our  Lord  and 
said:  “  Depart  from  me,  for  I  am  a  sinful  man,  0 
Lord.” 

Why  did  Jesus  perform  this  miracle? 

Jesus  performed  this  miracle:  (1),  To  prepare  the 
Apostles  for  their  call  to  the  apostolate;  (2),  To  pre¬ 
pare  St.  Peter  for  the  Primacy  over  the  other  Apostles; 
(3),  To  confirm  His  followers  in  their  belief  in  His 
divinity. 

How  did  He  prepare  St.  Peter,  on  this  occasion,  for 
his  office? 

When  He  said  to  St.  Peter,  “  Launch  out  ”  He  gave 
him  command  of  the  ship. 

How  did  He  prepare  the  other  Apostles  for  their 
office  by  this  miracle? 

Our  Lord  meant  to  say  to  the  Apostles  by  this 
miracle:  At  My  command  you  have  cast  out  your  net, 
and  caught  a  multitude  of  fishes;  in  future  you  will 
fish  for  the  souls  of  men  and  your  success  will  be  as 
wonderful  as  it  was  to-day,  when  you  fulfilled  My  com¬ 
mand. 

Of  what  is  the  net  a  figure? 

The  net  is  a  figure  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

Of  what  is  the  lake  a  figure? 

The  lake  is  a  figure  of  the  world. 


308 


The  New  Testament. 


What  do  the  fish  signify  ? 

They  signify  the  men  who  arc  received  into  the 
Church. 

What  kind  of  fish  are  caught  in  this  net? 

Both  good  and  bad  are  caught. 

Do  sinners  belong  to  the  Catholic  Church? 

Yes,  every  baptized  person  who  has  neither  been  ex¬ 
communicated  nor  left  the  Church  of  his  own  free  will, 
belongs  to  the  Catholic  Church. 

How  is  the  Church  holy? 

The  Church  is  holy,  because  its  founder  Jesus 
Christ  is  holy,  because  it  teaches  a  holy  doctrine,  helps 
to  lead  a  holy  life;  and  because  a  great  many  of  its 
children  are  holy. 

What  should  we  learn  from  the  people  who  were  so 
anxious  to  hear  Jesus? 

We  should  learn  from  them  to  listen  with  attention 
to  the  word  of  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  practise  the  virtues  of 
faith,  obedience,  and  humility. 


XXI.  THE  MIRACULOUS  CURE  OF  THE 

PARALYTIC. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  cured  the  paralytic  and  for¬ 
gave  him  his  sins. 

Where  was  Jesus  preaching  when  the  paralytic  was 
brought  to  Him  ? 

He  was  preaching  in  Capharnaum  in  a  private 
house. 


The  Miraculous  Cure  of  the  Paralytic .  309 

How  did  they  bring  the  sick  man  to  Jesus? 

They  could  not  enter  the  house  on  account  of  the 
great  number  in  and  around  it,  so  they  let  him  down 
through  the  roof. 

Why  did  they  bring  him  to  Jesus? 

They  brought  him  to  Jesus  because  they  believed 
Jesus  could  and  would  cure  him. 

Was  the  paralytic  sick  only  in  body? 

No,  his  soul  was  also  sick,  for  he  was  in  the  state  of 
mortal  sin. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  Jesus:  “  Son,  be 
of  good  cheer;  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee.” 

Which  did  Jesus  heal  first,  his  soul  or  his  body? 

Jesus  healed  first  his  soul. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  ? 

We  should  learn  from  this  that  the  soul  is  more  im¬ 
portant  than  the  body,  and  that  a  soul  free  from  mortal 
sin  is  more  necessary  than  a  healthy  body. 

Why  did  Jesus  forgive  the  paralytic  his  sins? 

Jesus  forgave  him  his  sins  because  He  saw  that  the 
paralytic  was  sorry  for  them. 

What  is  necessary  in  order  to  have  our  sins  for¬ 
given  ? 

In  order  to  have  our  sins  forgiven  we  must  have 
contrition  or  sorrow  for  them. 

Can  mortal  sins  be  forgiven  unless  we  have  contri¬ 
tion? 

No  mortal  sin  can  be  forgiven  without  contrition. 

Which  attribute  did  Jesus  manifest  on  this  occa¬ 
sion? 

He  manifested  His  great  mercy  for  sinners. 


310 


The  New  Testament. 


What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is  all- 
merciful? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  all-merciful  we  mean  that 
He  is  always  ready  to  pardon  our  sins  if  we  are  sorry 
for  them. 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  He  healed  the  paralytic’s 
soul? 

After  He  healed  the  paralytic’s  soul  He  cured  his 
body. 

What  did  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  say? 

“  He  blasphemes/’  they  said,  “  God  alone  can  for¬ 
give  sins.” 

What  did  Jesus  reply? 

To  show  that  He  was  God  and  could  forgive  sins, 
He  said  to  the  paralytic:  “  Arise,  take  up  thy  bed,”  and 
the  man  arose  at  once  and  walked. 

Which  of  Christ’s  attributes  in  particular  does  this 
miracle  manifest  ? 

It  manifests  His  omniscience  and  His  almighty 
power. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is  omnis¬ 
cient  ? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  omniscient  we  mean  that 
He  knows  all  things  past,  present,  and  future,  and  even 
our  most  secret  thoughts. 

How  does  this  miracle  show  that  Christ  knows  all 
things  ? 

It  shows  that  Christ  knows  all  things  because  He 
saw  the  condition  of  the  sick  man’s  soul  before  He  re¬ 
vealed  it. 


Tlie  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 


311 


What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  God  is 
almighty  ? 

When  we  say  that  God  is  almighty  we  mean  that  He 
can  do  all  things  by  a  mere  act  of  His  will. 

How  many  things  are  necessary  to  receive  the  Sac¬ 
rament  of  Penance  worthily? 

To  receive  the  Sacrament  of  Penance  worthily  five 
things  are  necessary:  (1),  An  examination  of  con¬ 
science;  (2),  Contrition  for  onr  sins;  (3),  A  firm  resolu¬ 
tion  of  amendment;  (4),  Confession  of  our  sins;  (5), 
Satisfaction. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  take  more  care  of  our 
soul  than  of  our  body. 

XXII.  THE  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 

The  Eight  Beatitudes. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  sermon  of  Jesus  on  the  Mount. 

Whence  came  the  great  multitude  of  people  to  listen 
to  Jesus? 

The  people  came  from  Judea  and  Galilee,  and  even 
from  the  pagan  cities  of  Tyre  and  Sidon. 

Where  did  Jesus  preach  to  them? 

He  preached  to  them  on  a  mountain. 

What  did  He  preach? 

“  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,”  He  said,  “  for 
theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven,”  etc. 

What  are  the  eight  beatitudes? 

The  eight  beatitudes  are  the  principles  of  Christian 
morality. 


312 


The  New  Testament. 


Does  Jesus  say  that  all  who  observe  the  eight  be¬ 
atitudes  are  already  in  heaven  ? 

When  Jesus  calls  those  who  observe  the  eight  be¬ 
atitudes  “  happy,”  He  does  not  mean  that  they  are  in 
heaven,  but  on  the  sure  road  to  it. 

What  is  the  first  beatitude? 

First,  blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

Does  Jesus  call  every  poor  person  blessed? 

No,  only  the  poor  in  spirit  are  blessed. 

Who  are  the  poor  in  spirit? 

The  poor  in  spirit  are:  (1),  All  those  who,  after  the 
example  of  Jesus,  bear  their  poverty  patiently;  (2),  All 
who  have  of  their  own  free  will  become  poor  for  the 
sake  of  Christ;  (3),  All  who  are  not  inordinately  at¬ 
tached  to  the  goods  of  this  world. 

Mention  some  who  become  poor  of  their  own  free 
will  for  the  sake  of  Christ. 

All  Religious,  who  make  a  vow  to  observe  perpetual 
poverty,  become  poor  for  the  sake  of  Christ. 

Is  it  wrong  to  pray  for  riches? 

No,  it  is  not  wrong  to  pray  for  riches  if  we  pray  on 
condition  that  they  will  not  be  detrimental  to  our 
eternal  welfare. 

Mention  some  who  were  poor  in  spirit. 

Job,  Lazarus,  the  Apostles  and  Jesus  Himself  were 
poor  in  spirit. 

What  is  the  second  beatitude? 

Second,  blessed  are  the  meek,  for  they  shall  possess 
the  land. 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount . 


313 


What  is  meekness? 

Meekness  is  that  virtue  which  inclines  us  to  repress 
all  outbursts  of  anger  and  feelings  of  revenge. 

What  does  Our  Saviour  promise  to  the  meek? 

He  promises  them  the  land. 

What  is  understood  by  the  “  land  ”  ? 

The  land  of  the  living  is  understood,  namely 
heaven. 

Mention  some  who  were  distinguished  for  their 
meekness. 

David  in  his  dealing  with  Absalom  and  Saul,  and 
Jesus  Himself  were  distinguished  for  their  meekness. 

Did  Jesus  ever  refer  to  His  own  meekness? 

Yes,  Jesus  referred  to  His  own  meekness  when  He 
said:  “  Learn  of  Me  because  I  am  meek  and  humble 
of  heart.” 

What  is  the  third  beatitude  ? 

Third,  blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall 
he  comforted. 

Who  are  “  they  that  mourn  ”  ? 

“  They  that  mourn  ”  are  all  who  do  not  go  after  the 
sinful  pleasures  of  the  world,  but  lead  as  far  as  possible 
a  retired  life,  mourning  their  sins. 

How  will  they  be  comforted? 

They  will  be  comforted  in  this  life  by  enjoying 
peace  of  heart,  and  in  the  life  to  come  by  enjoying 
everlasting  happiness. 

What  is  the  fourth  beatitude  ? 

Fourth,  blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst 
after  justice,  for  they  shall  be  filled. 

Who  are  “  they  that  hunger  and  thirst  after 
justice  ”? 

“  They  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  justice  ”  are  all 


314 


The  New  Testament. 


who  long  and  pray  for  the  grace  of  God  and  the  virtues 
which  accompany  it. 

Where  will  they  be  filled? 

They  will  be  filled  at  the  heavenly  banquet  in  the 
life  to  come. 

Mention  one  who  hungered  and  thirsted  after 
justice. 

The  aged  Simeon  in  the  Temple  thirsted  after 
justice. 

How  was  his  hunger  and  thirst  after  justice 
satisfied? 

It  was  satisfied  by  seeing  the  Messias. 

What  did  he  say  when  he  beheld  the  Messias  ? 

When  he  beheld  the  Messias  he  said:  “  Now  Thou 
dost  dismiss  Thy  servant,  0  Lord,  according  to  Thy 
word  in  peace;  because  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  salva¬ 
tion.^ 

What  is  the  fifth  beatitude? 

Fifth,  blessed  are  the  merciful,  for  they  shall  ob¬ 
tain  mercy. 

Who  is  merciful? 

He  who  helps  his  neighbor  in  corporal  and  spiritual 
necessity  is  merciful. 

Which  are  the  spiritual  works  of  mercy? 

The  spiritual  works  of  mercy  are:  (1),  To  instruct 
the  ignorant;  (2),  To  counsel  the  doubtful;  (3),  To 
admonish  sinners;  (4),  To  bear  wrongs  patiently;  (5), 
To  forgive  offences  willingly;  (6),  To  comfort  the 
afflicted;  (7),  To  pray  for  the  living  and  the  dead. 

Which  are  the  corporal  works  of  mercy? 

The  corporal  works  of  mercy  are  seven:  (1),  To  feed 
the  hungry;  (2),  To  give  drink  to  the  thirsty;  (3),  To 


The  Sermon  on  ike  Mount. 


315 


clothe  the  naked;  (4),  To  shelter  the  homeless;  (5),  To 
visit  the  sick;  (6),  To  ransom  the  captive;  (7),  To  bury 
the  dead. 

What  is  the  sixth  beatitude? 

Sixth,  blessed  are  the  clean  of  heart,  for  they  shall 
see  God. 

Who  are  the  “  clean  of  heart  ”  ? 

The  “  clean  of  heart  ”  are  all  whose  hearts  are  free 
from  mortal  sin,  especially  sins  of  impurity. 

What  does  Christ  promise  the  clean  of  heart? 

Christ  promises  the  clean  of  heart  the  greatest 
reward,  to  see  God  face  to  face. 

What  is  the  seventh  beatitude  ? 

Seventh,  blessed  are  the  peacemakers,  for  they  shall 
be  called  the  children  of  God. 

Who  are  the  peacemakers  ? 

Peacemakers  are  all  those  who  live  in  peace  and 
harmony  with  their  fellow-men. 

Which  Commandment  in  particular  do  the  peace¬ 
makers  keep? 

The  peacemakers  keep  in  particular  the  fifth  Com¬ 
mandment. 

Mention  a  peacemaker. 

Abraham  was  a  peacemaker. 

What  is  the  eighth  beatitude? 

Eighth,  blessed  are  they  that  suffer  persecution  for 
justice’  sake,  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

What  virtue  does  Our  Lord  praise  in  this  beatitude  ? 

He  praises  the  virtue  of  fortitude. 

What  is  fortitude? 

Fortitude  is  that  virtue  which  inclines  us  to  make 
sacrifices  willingly  for  the  sake  of  gaining  heaven. 


316 


The  New  Testament. 


Give  an  example  of  fortitude. 

The  martyrs  are  an  example  of  fortitude. 

When  did  the  most  of  the  martyrs  suffer? 

The  most  of  the  martyrs  suffered  during  the  first 
three  centuries  of  the  Church's  existence. 

What  did  Christ  announce  in  the  eight  beatitudes? 

He  announced  the  principles  which  should  govern 
all  who  belong  to  His  kingdom,  in  opposition  to  the 
false  principles  of  the  world. 

Is  the  spirit  of  Christ  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  the 
world  ? 

Yes,  the  spirit  of  Christ  is  opposed  to  the  spirit  of 
the  world  because  the  world  considers  the  virtues  that 
Christ  praises  foolish. 

On  the  Dignity  and  Office  of  the  Apostles  and 

their  Successors. 

Whom  did  Christ  address  after  He  had  spoken  to  the 
people? 

After  He  had  spoken  to  the  people  He  addressed 
the  Apostles. 

Why  did  He  address  the  Apostles? 

He  addressed  the  Apostles  in  order  to  convince 
them  of  the  sublimity  and  grandeur  of  their  sacred 
calling. 

How  did  Christ  continue  His  sermon? 

He  continued  in  the  following  words:  “  You  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth,  but  if  the  salt  shall  lose  its  savor, 
wherewith  shall  it  be  salted?  .  .  .  You  are  the  light  of 
the  world.  A  city  seated  on  a  mountain  cannot  be 
hid;  neither  do  men  light  a  candle  and  put  it  under  a 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 


317 


bushel,  but  upon  a  candlestick,  that  it  may  shine  to  all 
who  are  in  the  house.  So  let  your  light  shine  before 
men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify 
your  Father,  who  is  in  heaven.” 

To  whom  did  Christ  direct  these  words  in  par¬ 
ticular  ? 

Christ  directed  these  words  in  particular  to  the 
Apostles. 

How  do  we  know  that  these  words  refer  particularly 
to  the  Apostles? 

We  know  this,  because  Christ’s  words  describe  the 
two-fold  office  of  the  Apostles  as  priests  and  teachers. 

How  do  they  describe  the  office  of  priest? 

The  words  “  you  are  the  salt,  etc.,”  mean  that,  just 
as  salt  flavors  food  and  makes  it  pleasing  to  the  palate 
and  preserves  it  from  corruption,  so  the  Apostles  must 
lead  men  to  the  practice  of  virtue,  thereby  making 
them  pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  preserving  them 
from  the  corruption  of  sin. 

How  do  they  describe  the  office  of  teacher? 

The  words  “  you  are  the  light,  etc.,”  signify  that 
as  light  expels  darkness,  so  should  the  Apostles  by 
their  teaching  expel  the  darkness  of  error  and  igno¬ 
rance  from  the  minds  of  men. 

Were  the  Apostles  to  enlighten  men’s  minds  by  their 
teaching  alone? 

ISTo,  they  were  to  enlighten  the  world  also  by  their 
good  example. 

Whence  do  we  learn  this? 

We  learn  this  from  the  words  of  Christ,  “  So  let 
your  light  shine  among  men  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven.” 


318 


The  New  Testament . 


How  were  the  Apostles  to  fulfil  the  office  of  teacher? 

They  were  to  fulfil  the  office  of  teacher  by  word  and 
example. 

What  did  Christ  require  of  the  Apostles  in  the  ful¬ 
filment  of  their  apostolate  ? 

He  required  them  to  expend  all  their  energy  in 
their  sacred  calling,  and  if  necessary  to  lay  down  their 
life. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  Christ  when  He 
calls  the  Apostles  the  “  salt  of  the  earth  and  the  light 
of  the  world.”  For  salt  preserves  from  corruption  only 
after  it  has  been  absorbed,  and  the  candle  gives  light 
by  consuming  itself. 


On  the  True  Justice  of  the  Hew  Law. 

In  what  capacity  does  Our  Lord  now  address  the 
people? 

He  addresses  them  now  in  the  capacity  of  the  Law¬ 
giver  of  the  New  Testament. 

Did  Christ  come  to  abolish  the  Old  Law? 

No,  He  came  to  fulfil  it. 

How  did  He  fulfil  it  ? 

He  fulfilled  it:  (1),  By  perfecting  it;  (2),  By  making 
real  in  the  New  Law  wrhat  was  only  a  shadow  and  a 
type  in  the  Old  Law. 

How  did  Christ  perfect  the  Old  Law? 

Christ  perfected  the  Old  Law  by  requiring  His  fol¬ 
lowers  to  pay  more  attention  to  interior  holiness  than 
to  the  fulfilment  of  exterior  ceremonial  laws,  and  by 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 


319 


forbidding  not  only  sinful  actions  but  also  what  usually 
leads  to  them. 

Give  an  example  of  this. 

Christ  not  only  forbids  us  to  kill,  as  the  Old  Law 
did,  but  also  forbids  us  even  to  harbor  thoughts  of 
anger  and  revenge. 

When  did  He  do  this? 

Christ  forbade  us  to  harbor  thoughts  of  anger 
when  He  said:  “You  have  heard  that  it  was  said  to 
them  of  old:  Thou  shalt  not  kill.  But  I  say  to  you: 
that  whosoever  is  angry  with  his  brother,  shall  be  in 
danger  of  the  judgment.” 

How  did  Christ  perfect  the  law  of  charity? 

Christ  perfected  the  law  of  charity  by  commanding 
us  to  love  not  only  our  friends  but  even  our  enemies. 

Why  should  we  love  our  enemies? 

We  should  love  our  enemies  because  they  too  are 
children  of  God,  were  redeemed  by  Christ,  and  are 
called  to  eternal  salvation. 

Mention  some  who  loved  their  enemies. 

Our  Lord  and  St.  Stephen,  the  first  martyr,  loved 
their  enemies. 

Why  did  Christ  perfect  the  Old  Law? 

Christ  perfected  the  Old  Law  in  order  to  make 
men  more  perfect  under  the  Yew  Law. 

On  the  Necessity  of  Having  a  Good  Intention 
when  Performing  Good  Works. 

What  does  Christ  say  on  this  subject? 

He  says  that  we  should  not  do  good  in  order  to  be 
seen  by  men. 


320 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  should  we  not  do  good  to  be  seen  ? 

We  should  not  do  good  to  be  seen  because  we  will 
receive  no  reward  in  eternity  for  such  works. 

Mention  some  good  works. 

Prayer,  fasting,  and  alms-deeds  are  good  works. 

How  does  Christ  say  we  should  pray? 

Christ  says:  “  When  ye  pray,  you  shall  not  be  as  the 
hypocrites,  that  love  to  stand  and  pray  in  the  syna¬ 
gogues.  But  thou  when  thou  shalt  pray,  enter  into 
thy  chamber,  and  having  shut  the  door  pray  to  thy 
Father  in  secret;  and  thy  Father,  who  seeth  in  secret, 
will  repay  thee.” 

How  does  Christ  say  we  should  fast? 

He  says:  “  When  you  fast,  be  not  as  the  hypocrites, 
sad:  for  they  disfigure  their  faces  that  they  may  appear 
unto  men  to  fast.  Amen  I  say  to  you,  they  have  re¬ 
ceived  their  reward.” 

How  does  Christ  say  we  should  give  alms? 

He  says:  “  When  thou  dost  give  alms,  let  not  thy 
left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  doth,  that  thy  alms 
may  be  in  secret,  and  thy  Father,  who  seeth  in  secret, 
will  repay  thee.” 

Does  Christ  forbid  us  to  pray  publicly  in  church? 

Ho,  for  He  prayed  in  the  Temple. 

What,  then,  is  the  meaning  of  the  words :  “  When 
thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  chamber  ”  ? 

These  words  mean  that  we  should  not  pray  in  order 
to  be  seen  and  praised  by  men. 

Is  a  good  intention  necessary  to  make  our  works 
meritorious  for  heaven? 

Yes,  a  good  intention  is  necessary. 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 


321 


What  do  you  mean  by  “  a  good  intention  ”  ? 

By  “  a  good  intention  39  we  mean  a  wish  to  serve 
and  honor  God  in  all  our  actions. 

How  may  we  easily  acquire  the  habit  of  making  a 
good  intention? 

If,  before  doing  anything,  we  try  to  think  how 
Jesus  would  act  if  He  were  in  our  place  and  then  do  as 
we  think  He  would,  we  will  easily  acquire  this  habit. 

When  should  we  make  a  good  intention  ? 

We  should  make  a  good  intention  every  morning. 


On  the  Solicitude  for  the  Things  of  this  World 
and  Confidence  in  God. 

What  do  we  understand  by  “  treasures  on  earth  ”  ? 

All  things  which  have  a  value  only  in  this  world 
are  “  treasures  on  earth/’ 

What  does  Jesus  say  of  them? 

He  says  that  we  should  not  become  attached  to 
them. 

Why  should  we  not  become  attached  to  treasures 
on  earth? 

We  should  not  become  attached  to  them  because 
they  will  soon  pass  away. 

Is  it  wrong  to  try  to  acquire  the  goods  of  this 
world  ? 

Yes,  if  they  prevent  us  from  gaining  heaven. 

Which  are  the  principal  worldly  goods  ? 

Life,  health,  and  riches  are  the  principal  worldly 
goods. 


322 


The  New  Testament. 


Does  God  provide  for  us  in  this  world? 

Yes,  He  provides  for  the  beasts  of  the  field  and  the 
flowers;  how  much  more  for  us. 

Which  should  we  seek  first,  the  goods  of  this  world 
or  the  justice  of  God? 

We  should  seek  first  the  justice  of  God. 

What  do  we  understand  by  the  “  justice  of  God  ”? 

By  the  “  justice  of  God”  we  understand  whatever 
makes  us  just  in  the  sight  of  God. 

What  makes  us  just  in  the  sight  of  God? 

Sanctifying  grace  and  the  practice  of  virtue  make 
us  just  in  the  sight  of  God. 

How  did  Jesus  express  this? 

He  said:  “  Seek  ye,  therefore,  first  the  kingdom  of 
God  and  His  justice,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you.” 


On  Rash  Judgment. 

Why  are  we  not  allowed  to  judge  others? 

We  are  not  allowed  to  judge  others:  (1),  Because 
that  is  a  right  which  belongs  to  God  alone;  (2),  As  we 
are  unable  to  know  all  the  motives  of  men’s  actions, 
we  can  never  form  a  just  judgment. 

Which  sins  does  Christ  condemn  in  this  part  of  His 
sermon? 

He  condemns  the  sins  of  unjust  suspicion  and  rash 
judgment. 

How  is  the  sin  of  rash  judgment  committed? 

The  sin  of  rash  judgment  is  committed  by,  forming 
a  bad  opinion  of  one  without  sufficient  reason. 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount. 


323 


Against  which  Commandment  is  rash  judgment? 

Kash  judgment  is  against  the  eighth  Command¬ 
ment. 

Is  there  any  other  reason  why  we  should  not  judge 
others  rashly? 

Yes,  it  is  very  unbecoming  for  us  to  attribute  to 
others  faults,  while  we  ourselves  may  be  guilty  of 
greater  ones. 

How  did  Jesus  express  this  idea? 

He  said:  “  Thou  hypocrite,  cast  out  first  the  beam 
out  of  thine  own  eye,  and  then  shalt  thou  see  to  cast 
the  mote  out  of  thy  brother’s  eye.” 

Against  whom  in  particular  were  these  words 
directed  ? 

These  words  were  directed  against  the  Scribes  and 
Pharisees,  who  insisted  on  the  observance  of  the  mi¬ 
nutest  details  in  the  ceremonial  laws  and  neglected 
the  important  commandments  of  God. 

What  does  this  rebuke  imply? 

It  implies  that  there  are  two  kinds  of  sins,  mortal 
and  venial. 

Why  is  a  sin  called  mortal  ? 

A  sin  is  called  mortal  because  it  kills  the  life  of  the 
soul,  which  is  sanctifying  grace. 

Why  is  a  sin  called  venial? 

A  sin  is  called  venial  because  God  pardons  it  more 
easily  than  he  does  a  mortal  sin. 

What  reward  shall  we  receive  if  we  keep  God’s 
Commandments  ? 

If  we  keep  God’s  Commandments  we  shall  receive 
an  eternal  reward  in  heaven. 


324 


The  J\Tew  Testament . 


Can  we  keep  the  Commandments  without  any 
effort  ? 

No,  we  must  practise  self-denial  and  guard  against 
temptation  in  order  to  keep  the  Commandments. 

Is  it  hard  to  practise  self-denial  and  to  guard 
against  temptation? 

Yes,  for  Jesus  says:  “Wide  is  the  gate  and  broad 
is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  there 
are  who  go  in  thereat.” 

Concluding  Remarks. 

How  did  Jesus  conclude  His  sermon? 

He  concluded  His  sermon  with  the  parable  of  the 
man  who  built  his  house  on  a  rock,  and  the  other  who 
built  on  sand. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  first  parable? 

The  meaning  of  the  first  parable  is  as  follows: 
“  You  have  all  listened  to  My  words,  now  if  you  do  as 
I  have  taught  you,  you  will  be  wise  like  the  man  who 
built  his  house  on  a  rock.  The  storms  of  temptation 
will  not  affect  you,  because  the  principles  which  govern 
your  life  are  built  on  a  rock.” 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  second  parable  ? 

The  meaning  of  the  second  parable  is  as  follows: 
“  But  having  listened  to  My  words,”  says  Christ,  “  if 
you  fail  to  follow  them  you  will  be  foolish,  like  the  man 
who  built  his  house  on  sand.  For  as  the  latter  is 
swept  away  by  a  storm,  so  you  too  will  fall  a  prey  to 
the  first  storm  of  temptation,  unless  you  are  doers  of 
the  word.” 

How  did  this  sermon  impress  the  people? 

They  were  filled  with  admiration  for  Jesus. 


The  Leper  and  the  Centurion'’ s  Servant.  325 

What  reason  does  the  Evangelist  give  for  their 
admiration? 

The  Evangelist  gives  the  following  reason:  Because 
“  J esus  was  teaching  with  authority,  not  like  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  listen  attentively  to  the 
sermons  and  instructions  of  the  priest. 

XXIII.  THE  CURE  OF  THE  LEPER  AXD  OF 
THE  CENTURION'S  SERYAXT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  cured  miraculously  a  leper  and 
the  servant  of  the  centurion. 

What  happened  after  Jesus  finished  His  Sermon  on 
the  Mount? 

After  Jesus  finished  His  sermon  a  leper  approached 

Him. 

What  is  leprosy? 

Leprosy  is  a  most  loathsome  disease,  that  covers 
the  whole  body. 

Why  was  it  considered  such  a  terrible  disease? 

It  was  a  most  disgusting  disease.  The  lepers  were 
outcasts  of  human  society,  had  to  live  by  themselves, 
and  were  not  allowed  to  enter  the  Temple  or  offer 
sacrifice. 

Mention  something  in  the  Old  Testament  which 
shows  that  it  was  considered  a  terrible  affliction. 

The  devil  did  not  know  of  a  worse  affliction  for  J  oh 
than  leprosy. 

What  did  the  leper  say  to  Jesus? 

The  leper  said  to  Jesus:  “  Lord,  if  Thou  wilt,  Thou 
canst  make  me  clean.” 


326 


The  New  Testament. 


What  do  the  words  of  the  leper  show? 

They  show  that  he  believed  in  the  divinity  of 
Christ. 

How  do  his  words  show  that  he  believed  in  the 
divinity  of  Christ? 

His  words  show  that  he  believed  in  the  divinity  of 
Christ  because  they  implied  that  he  believed  that 
Christ  could  do  whatever  He  willed. 

Did  Christ  reward  the  faith  of  the  leper? 

Yes,  Christ  rewarded  his  faith  by  curing  him  of  his 
leprosy. 

Of  what  is  leprosy  a  figure? 

Leprosy  is  a  figure  of  sin. 

How  is  it  a  figure  of  sin? 

As  leprosy  disfigures  the  body  and  finally  leads  to 
death,  so  mortal  sin,  by  depriving  the  soul  of  sanctify¬ 
ing  grace,  disfigures  the  soul  and  leads  to  eternal  death. 

Is  there  any  similarity  between  the  manner  in 
which  the  leper  was  cleansed  and  the  manner  in  which 
the  sinner  is  cleansed  from  his  sin  ? 

After  the  leper  had  been  cured  he  was  obliged  to 
appear  before  the  priest  in  order  to  be  declared  clean; 
the  sinner  must  appear  before  the  priest,  not  to  be 
“  declared  ”  clean  from  sin,  but  to  be  really  cleansed 
from  it. 

Whither  did  Jesus  go  after  He  had  cured  the  leper  ? 

He  went  into  Capharnaum. 

What  took  place  there  ? 

A  Roman  centurion  sent  to  Jesus,  asking  Him  to 
cure  his  servant. 

What  did  the  centurion  do  when  Jesus  approached 
his  house? 

He  met  Jesus  on  the  road  and  said  to  Him:  “Lord, 


The  Leper  and  the  Centurion* s  Servant.  327 

I  am  not  worthy  that  Thou  shouldst  enter  under  my 
roof,  but  only  say  the  word  and  my  servant  shall  be 
healed.” 

Which  virtues  did  the  centurion  display  on  this 
occasion? 

He  displayed:  (1),  Love  and  compassion  for  his  sick 
servant;  (2),  Firm  faith  in  Christ;  (3),  Humility. 

When  is  our  faith  firm  ? 

Our  faith  is  firm  when  we  believe  without  the  least 
doubt  all  that  God  has  revealed. 

Did  Jesus  praise  the  faith  of  the  centurion? 

Yes,  He  praised  his  faith  in  the  following  words: 
“  Amen  I  say  to  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith 
in  Israel.” 

What  did  Jesus  foretell  on  this  occasion? 

He  foretold  that  many  pagans  would  heed  the  call 
of  grace  and  participate  in  the  heavenly  banquet,  while 
many  of  the  Jews  would  be  lost  for  all  eternity. 

What  were  Our  lord’s  words? 

His  words  were  as  follows:  “  And  I  say  unto  you 
that  many  shall  come  from  the  East  and  the  West,  and 
shall  sit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.  But  the  children  of  the  king¬ 
dom  shall  be  cast  out  into  the  exterior  darkness:  there 
shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth.” 

How  did  Christ  reward  the  faith  of  the  centurion  ? 

He  rewarded  his  faith  by  curing  his  servant. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  confess  our  sins  sin¬ 
cerely  and  humbly  to  the  priest. 


328 


The  New  Testament , 


XX I Y.  JESUS  RAISES  FROM  THE  DEAD  THE 
SOX  OF  THE  WIDOW  OF  NAIM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  raised  to  life  the  son  of  the 
widow  of  Naim. 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  curing  the  servant  of  the 
centurion? 

After  curing  the  servant  of  the  centurion  He  per¬ 
formed  a  still  greater  miracle  by  raising  a  dead  man  to 
life. 

Where  did  this  happen? 

It  happened  in  Naim. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  “  Naim  ”  ? 

“  Naim  ”  means  lovely. 

Whence  did  the  city  derive  this  name? 

The  city  derived  this  name  from  its  beautiful  situa¬ 
tion. 

Where  is  Naim? 

Naim  is  about  thirty  miles  from  Capharnaum,  and 
is  situated  on  the  top  of  a  beautiful  green  hill. 

What  happened  as  Jesus  entered  the  city? 

As  He  entered  the  city  He  met  a  funeral  procession. 

Who  was  about  to  be  buried? 

The  only  son  of  a  widow  was  about  to  he  buried. 

Was  the  mother  very  sad? 

Yes,  because  he  was  her  only  son,  the  support  of 
her  old  age. 

Were  the  people  in  the  funeral  procession  perform¬ 
ing  a  good  work  ? 

Yes,  they  were  performing  one  of  the  corporal 
works  of  mercy. 


329 


The  Son  of  the  Widoiv  of  Naim. 

Was  Jesus  affected  by  the  sorrow  of  the  mother? 

Yes,  because  He  comforted  her  and  restored  her  son 
to  life. 

Who  are  recommended  especially  to  our  charity? 

The  poor,  widows,  and  orphans,  and  all  who  are  in 
bodily  or  spiritual  need,  are  especially  recommended 
to  our  charity. 

Did  the  dead  man  lie  in  a  coffin  ? 

Yo,  it  was  customary  in  the  East  to  carry  the  corpse 
to  the  grave  on  a  bier. 

What  does  this  miracle  prove  ? 

It  proves  that  Christ  is  God. 

Who  were  the  witnesses  of  this  miracle  ? 

All  who  followed  the  corpse  were  witnesses  of  the 
miracle. 

Has  this  miracle  also  a  figurative  meaning? 

Yes,  it  is  a  figure  of  the  sinner  who  before  his  con¬ 
version  has  been  spiritually  dead. 

How  is  the  soul  restored  to  spiritual  life  ? 

The  soul  is  restored  to  spiritual  life  through  the 
sacraments  of  the  dead. 

Which  are  the  sacraments  of  the  dead? 

Baptism  and  Penance  are  the  sacraments  of  the 
dead. 

Who  was  overjoyed  at  the  young  man’s  restoration 
to  life  ? 

His  mother  was  overjoyed. 

Who  rejoices  when  the  sinner  is  restored  to  spiritual 
life? 

Our  holy  Mother  the  Church  rejoices. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  help  those  who  are  in 
trouble,  especially  in  time  of  sickness  or  death. 


330 


The  New  Testament. 


XXV.  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  DISCIPLES  OF 
JOHN  THE  BAPTIST  TO  CHRIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  St.  John  sent  two  of  his  disciples  to 
Jesus. 

What  virtue  do  we  admire  most  of  all  in  St.  John 
the  Baptist  ? 

In  St.  John  the  Baptist  we  admire  most  of  all  his 
fortitude. 

How  did  he  show  his  fortitude? 

He  showed  it  by  reprimanding  King  Herod  for  his 
sins. 

What  sins  had  Herod  committed  ? 

He  had  taken  the  wife  of  his  brother,  who  was  still 
living,  thus  committing  the  sins  of  incest  and  adultery. 

What  did  St.  John  say  to  Herod? 

He  said  to  him:  “  It  is  not  lawful  for  thee  to  have 
thy  brother’s  wife.” 

Was  St.  John  doing  a  good  work  when  he  rebuked 
Herod  ? 

Yes,  he  was  performing  one  of  the  spiritual  works 
of  mercy,  namely,  to  admonish  the  sinner. 

Why  did  St.  John  do  this? 

St.  John  rebuked  Herod  because  his  mission  was  to 
preach  penance. 

How  did  Herod  receive  the  reprimand? 

He  threw  St.  John  into  prison. 

Where  was  St.  John  when  he  sent  his  disciples  to 
Jesus? 

He  was  in  prison. 


331 


Mary  Magdalen  the  Penitent. 

Why  did  he  send  them  to  Jesus? 

St.  John  wanted  his  disciples  to  hear  from  the  lips 
of  Jesus  Himself  that  He  was  the  Messias,  and  to  wit¬ 
ness  some  of  the  miracles  proving  this  truth. 

What  did  the  disciples  of  St.  John  say  to  Jesus? 

They  said  to  Jesus:  "Art  Thou  He  that  art  to 
come,  or  look  we  for  another?  ” 

What  did  Jesus  answer? 

He  answered:  “  Go  and  relate  to  John  what  you 
have  heard  and  seen.  The  blind  see,  the  lame  walk,  the 
lepers  are  cleansed,  the  deaf  hear,  the  dead  rise  again, 
the  poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them,  and  blessed 
is  he  that  shall  not  be  scandalized  in  Me.” 

What  did  Jesus  mean  by  these  words? 

He  meant  to  say:  “  All  things  that  the  prophets 
have  foretold  about  the  Messias  are  fulfilled  in  Me; 
consequently  I  am  the  Messias.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  do  our  duty  coura¬ 
geously  even  at  the  risk  of  offending  people. 

XXVI.  MARY  MAGDALEN  THE  PENITENT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Jesus  pardoned  Mary  Magdalen,  a 
great  sinner. 

Which  of  His  attributes  did  Jesus  display  on  this 
occasion  ? 

Jesus  displayed  on  this  occasion  His  knowledge  of 
all  things  and  His  mercy. 

How  did  He  display  His  knowledge  of  all  things? 

He  displayed  His  knowledge  of  all  things  by  read¬ 
ing  the  thoughts  of  Simon. 


332 


The  New  Testament. 


What  did  Simon  think  of  Jesus’  treatment  of  Mary 
Magdalen  ? 

Simon  wondered  within  himself  why  Jesus  would 
permit  a  sinful  woman  to  approach  Him. 

How  did  Jesus  reply  to  his  thoughts? 

J esus  replied  by  a  parable  in  which  He  showed  that 
it  was  right  for  Mary  Magdalen  to  show  her  great  love 
for  Him,  because  He  had  forgiven  her  many  sins. 

How  did  He  show  His  mercy  to  Mary  Magdalen? 

He  showed  His  mercy  by  uttering  no  reproof, 
but  even  defending  her  against  the  attacks  of  the 
Pharisees. 

Why  were  her  sins  forgiven? 

Her  sins  were  forgiven  because  of  her  great  faith 
and  love. 

Whence  do  we  learn  this? 

We  learn  this  from  the  words  of  Christ:  “  Thy  faith 
hath  made  thee  safe  and  again:  “  Many  sins  are  for¬ 
given  her  because  she  hath  loved  much.” 

What  is  the  foundation  and  root  of  justification? 

The  foundation  and  root  of  justification  is  faith. 

What  proceeds  from  faith? 

Contrition  proceeds  from  faith. 

What  is  contrition  ? 

Contrition  is  a  hatred  of  sin  and  true  grief  of  the 
soul  for  having  offended  God,  with  a  firm  purpose  of 
sinning  no  more. 

When  is  our  contrition  perfect? 

Our  contrition  is  perfect  when  we  are  sorry  for  our 
sins  because  they  have  offended  God,  who  is  infinitely 
good  and  deserving  of  our  love. 


Cure  of  the  /SioJc  Man  at  Bethsaida.  333 

Is  a  firm  purpose  of  amendment  necessary  for  an  act 
of  contrition? 

Yes,  a  firm  purpose  of  amendment,  either  explicit 
or  implicit,  is  necessary. 

What  do  you  understand  by  a  firm  purpose  of 
amendment  ? 

A  firm  purpose  of  amendment  is  a  resolution  not 
only  to  avoid  sin,  but  also  its  occasions. 

What  takes  place  in  our  soul  when  our  sins  are 
forgiven  ? 

When  our  sins  are  forgiven  sanctifying  grace  is 
infused  into  our  soul. 

What  is  sanctifying  grace? 

Sanctifying  grace  is  that  grace  which  makes  the 
soul  holy  and  pleasing  to  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  that  Jesus  is  always  ready 
to  forgive  our  sins  if  we  only  repent  of  them  as  Mary 
Magdalen  did. 

XXVII.  CUKE  OF  THE  MAX  WHO  HAD  BEEN 
SICK  FOE  THIRTY-EIGHT  YEARS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Our  Lord  cured  a  man  who  had  been 
sick  thirty-eight  years. 

What  other  name  did  the  pond  “  Probatica  ”  have  ? 

It  was  also  called  in  Hebrew,  “  Bethsaida/’ 

What  does  the  word  “  Bethsaida  ”  mean? 

Bethsaida  means  place  of  grace,  or  favors. 

Why  was  it  called  this  name  ? 

It  was  called  Bethsaida  because  the  sick  were  often 
cured  there. 


334 


The  New  Testament. 


Where  were  the  sick  usually? 

They  usually  lay  in  the  five  porches  of  the  building 
that  surrounded  the  pond. 

Did  Jesus  perform  a  miracle  there? 

Yes,  He  cured  instantly  a  man  who  had  been  sick 
thirty-eight  years. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  him? 

He  said:  “  Arise,  take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk.” 

What  did  this  miracle  prove? 

Like  all  the  other  miracles,  it  proved  the  divinity 
of  Christ. 

What  did  the  Jews  say  to  this  miracle? 

They  blamed  Jesus  for  having  cured  the  man  on 
the  Sabbath. 

What  did  Jesus  answer? 

He  said:  “My  Father  worketh  until  now,  and  I 
work.” 

Did  this  answer  satisfy  the  Jews? 

No,  they  became  more  angry  when  He  said  that  He 
was  equal  to  the  Father. 

How  did  He  announce  this  truth? 

He  announced  it  by  the  words:  “For  what  things 
soever  He  doth,  these  the  Son  also  doth  in  like 
manner.” 

What  else  did  Jesus  reply  to  them? 

He  said  that  He  was  Lord  of  life  and  death,  that  He 
could  raise  the  dead  to  life  just  as  the  Father  could, 
and  that  the  Father  had  committed  all  judgment  to 
Him. 

What  judgment  is  understood  here? 

The  last  judgment  is  understood. 


335 


Cure  of  the  Side  Man  at  Bethsaida. 

How  many  judgments  are  there? 

There  are  two  judgments,  the  General  or  Last 
Judgment  and  the  Particular  Judgment. 

When  does  the  Particular  Judgment  take  place? 

The  Particular  Judgment  takes  place  immediately 
after  death. 

When  does  the  General  Judgment  take  place? 

The  General  Judgment  takes  place  on  the  last  day. 

As  Christ  is  Lord  of  life  and  death,  what  do  we  owe 
Him? 

Christ  being  Lord  of  life  and  death,  we  owe  Him 
the  highest  honor. 

What  is  the  highest  honor  we  can  pay  Christ 
called  ? 

The  highest  honor  we  can  pay  Christ  is  adoration. 

When  did  Christ  speak  of  this  honor? 

Christ  spoke  of  this  honor  when  He  said:  “  For 
neither  doth  the  Father  judge  any  man,  hut  hath  given 
all  judgment  to  the  Son,  that  all  men  may  honor  the 
Son  as  they  honor  the  Father.” 

Of  what  is  the  pond  Bethsaida  a  figure  ? 

It  is  a  figure  of  Baptism. 

How  is  it  a  figure  of  Baptism? 

As  all  kinds  of  diseases  were  cured  in  the  pond  at 
Bethsaida,  so  are  all  sins  forgiven  in  the  Sacrament  of 
Baptism. 

Is  there  any  figure  of  Baptism  in  the  Old  Testa¬ 
ment  ? 

Yes,  the  passage  through  the  Eed  Sea  is  a  figure 
of  Baptism. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  help  the  sick  and 
afflicted. 


33  G 


Th e  New  Testament. 


XXVIII.  TIIE  SINS  AGAINST  THE  HOLY 

GHOST.— MARY  IS  DECLARED  BLESSED. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  cured  a  man  who  was  blind 
and  deaf  and  possessed  by  the  devil;  it  also  speaks  of 
the  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Were  the  Jews  convinced  by  this  miracle  that 
Jesus  was  the  Son  of  God? 

No,  they  said  that  He  was  in  league  with  the  devil 
and  cast  out  devils  by  the  power  of  the  devil. 

Why  did  the  Pharisees  make  this  accusation  against 
Jesus? 

The  Pharisees  made  this  accusation:  (1),  Because 
they  were  jealous  of  His  growing  power  and  popu¬ 
larity  among  the  people;  (2),  Because  they  resisted  the 
grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  would  not  believe  in  the 
miracles  of  Christ. 

What  sin  did  they  commit? 

They  committed  a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Which  are  the  six  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost? 

The  six  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost  are:  presuming 
on  God’s  mercy,  despair,  resisting  the  known  truth, 
envy  of  another's  spiritual  good,  obstinacy  in  sin,  final 
impenitence. 

Why  are  they  called  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost? 

They  are  called  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost  be¬ 
cause  those  who  commit  them  resist  the  grace  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  a  special  manner. 

What  does  Jesus  say  of  these  sins? 

He  says  they  will  not  be  forgiven  in  this  life  nor 
in  the  life  to  come. 


The  Seven  Parables  of  the  Kingdom  of  Ileaven.  337 

Can  all  sins  be  forgiven  ? 

Yes,  all  sins  can  be  forgiven  if  we  co-operate  with 
God’s  grace. 

Why,  then,  cannot  the  sins  against  the  Holy  Ghost 
be  forgiven? 

Our  sins  cannot  be  forgiven  without  God's  grace; 
now  those  who  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost  refuse  God’s 
grace,  so  that  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  be  saved  as 
long  as  they  remain  in  that  condition. 

What  prophetic  words  were  partially  fulfilled  on 
this  occasion? 

The  words  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  in  the  Magnificat, 
“  Henceforth  all  nations  shall  call  me  blessed; ”  were 
partially  fulfilled. 

How  were  these  words  partially  fulfilled? 

They  were  fulfilled  by  the  woman  who  cried  out,  on 
witnessing  Jesus’  miracle,  “  Blessed  is  the  womb  that 
bore  Thee,  and  the  paps  that  gave  Thee  suck.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  a  special  devotion 
to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 


XXIX.  JESUS  PREACHES  ON  THE  LAKE  OE 
GENESARETH.— THE  SEVEN  PARABLES  OE 
THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN. 

Which  is  the  first  parable  that  Jesus  taught  on  this 
occasion  ? 

The  parable  of  the  sower  is  the  first. 

Who  is  the  Sower? 

Jesus  Christ  Himself  is  the  Sower. 


338 


The  New  Testament. 


What  is  the  field  ? 

The  field  is  the  human  heart. 

What  is  the  seed? 

The  seed  is  the  word  of  God. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  this  parable  ? 

It  means  that  God  gives  His  grace  to  all  men,  but 
it  fails  to  produce  a  good  effect  in  the  hearts  of  many. 

What  is  the  first  reason  for  its  failure? 

First,  because  the  seed  falls  on  the  wayside  and  the 
birds  devour  it,  that  is  to  say,  the  grace  of  God  does 
not  even  take  root  in  some  hearts,  because  they  have 
not  a  good  will. 

What  is  the  second  reason? 

Second,  because  the  seed  falls  on  a  rock,  and 
although  it  takes  root  it  soon  withers;  that  is  to  say, 
some  receive  the  grace  of  God  joyfully  and  perform 
some  good  works,  but  fail  to  persevere. 

What  is  the  third  reason? 

Third,  because  some  seed  falls  among  thorns  and 
when  it  grows  up  the  thorns  choke  it;  that  is  to  say, 
some  receive  the  grace  of  God,  persevere  for  a  while, 
but  finally  fall  a  prey  to  temptation. 

But  is  the  grace  of  God  not  productive  of  good  in 
some  hearts? 

Yes,  the  grace  of  God  is  productive  of  good  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  resist  temptation  and  persevere  to 
the  end. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  parable  ? 

We  should  learn  from  this  parable:  (1),  To  listen 
attentively  to  the  word  of  God;  (2),  To  live  according 
to  it. 


The  Parable  of  the  Seed  and  the  Cockle.  339 


XXX.  THE  PAEABLE  OF  THE  SEED  AXD  THE 

COCKLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  seed  and  the  cockle. 

What  do  we  understand  by  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  the  kingdom  of  God 
on  earth,  His  Chnrch. 

Whom  do  we  understand  by  the  wheat? 

By  the  wheat  we  understand  the  good. 

Whom  do  we  understand  by  the  cockle? 

By  the  cockle  we  understand  the  bad. 

What  does  Christ  teach  by  this  parable  ? 

He  teaches  that  the  good  and  bad  will  always  be 
together  in  His  Church. 

Why  does  Christ  permit  this  ? 

Christ  permits  this:  (1),  Because  He  will  not 
destroy  man’s  free  will;  (2),  In  order  to  give  the  bad 
time  to  repent;  (3),  To  give  the  good  an  opportunity 
of  practising  virtue. 

When  are  the  good  separated  from  the  bad? 

The  good  are  separated  from  the  bad  on  the  last 
day,  at  the  General  Judgment. 

What  is  meant  by  the  “  fire  ”  ? 

By  the  “  fire  ”  is  meant  hell. 

What  is  hell  ? 

Hell  is  a  place  where  the  damned  suffer  for  all 
eternity. 

Who  are  condemned  to  hell? 

All  who  die  in  the  state  of  mortal  sin  are  con¬ 
demned  to  hell. 


340 


The  New  Testament . 


XXXI.  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  MUSTARD 

SEED,  THE  LEAVEN,  THE  TREASURE,  THE 

PRECIOUS  PEARL,  AND  THE  NET. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parables  of  the  mustard  seed,  the 
leaven,  the  treasure,  the  precious  pearl,  and  the  net. 

Why  did  Christ  choose  the  mustard  seed  for  this 
parable  ? 

Christ  chose  the  mustard  seed  for  this  parable  be¬ 
cause  it  is  the  smallest  of  all  the  seeds. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  this  parable? 

As  the  mustard  seed  is  small  at  first,  but  in  time 
becomes  a  great  plant,  so  the  Church  from  a  small 
beginning  soon  spread  over  the  whole  world. 

Does  the  fact  that  the  Church  is  spread  over  the 
whole  world  prove  anything  ? 

Yes,  it  proves  that  the  Church  is  catholic. 

Why  is  the  Church  catholic? 

The  Church  is  catholic  because  she  has  subsisted 
in  all  ages  from  the  time  of  Christ,  is  spread  over  the 
whole  world,  and  will  continue  her  mission  till  the  end 
of  time. 

What  is  meant  by  the  leaven? 

By  the  leaven  is  meant  the  grace  of  God. 

Of  what  is  the  woman  a  figure? 

She  is  a  figure  of  the  Church. 

Of  what  is  the  meal  a  figure? 

It  is  a  figure  of  the  human  race. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  parable  ? 

It  means  that  just  as  the  leaven  acidifies  one  layer 
of  meal  after  another  until  the  whole  mass  is  affected, 


Parable  of  the  Mustard  Seed  and  Other  Parables.  341 

so  the  grace  of  God  will  gradually  work  its  way  into 
men’s  hearts  until  it  finally  dominates  the  whole 
human  race. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  parable  of  the  treasure  ? 

The  treasure  is  the  Christian  religion  and  all  the 
graces  connected  with  it;  for  it  is  more  precious  than 
all  earthly  treasures. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  parable  of  the  pearl  ? 

As  the  merchant  gave  all  he  had  to  purchase  the 
“  one  ”  precious  pearl,  so  there  is  only  “  one  ”  truth, 
“  one  ”  faith,  for  which  we  must  be  ready  to  give  up 
all  things. 

Which  Church  has  the  true  faith? 

The  Catholic  Church  alone  has  the  true  faith. 

Which  faith  can  save  us? 

Only  the  faith  taught  by  Jesus  Christ  can  save  us. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  parable  of  the  net  ? 

It  means  that  both  good  and  bad  belong  to  the 
Church  of  Christ. 

What  do  all  these  parables  show? 

They  show  that  the  Church  of  Christ,  the  kingdom 
of  God  on  earth,  is  the  most  precious  thing  in  the 
world. 

What  do  we  ask  in  the  second  petition  of  the  “  Our 
Father  ”  ? 

In  the  second  petition  of  the  “  Our  Father  ”  we  ask 
that  the  kingdom  of  God,  His  Church,  he  spread  over 
the  whole  world  in  order  to  lead  men  to  heaven. 

How  can  we  assist  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  spread 
of  religion? 

We  can  assist  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  spread  of 


342 


The  New  Testament. 


religion  by  contributing  to  the  support  of  her  mis¬ 
sionaries. 


XXXII.  JESUS  IX  THE  TEMPEST  AT  SEA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  entered  a  boat  with  His  dis¬ 
ciples  and  put  out  to  sea. 

What  happened  soon  after  they  had  put  out  to  sea? 

A  great  storm  arose. 

Did  Jesus  do  anything  at  first  to  still  the  storm? 

Xo,  He  slept. 

Of  what  was  His  sleep  a  proof? 

His  sleep  was  a  proof  of  His  human  nature. 

Were  the  disciples  frightened? 

Yes,  for  they  cried  out:  u  Lord,  save  us,  we  perish." 

What  did  Jesus  answer  them? 

Jesus  answered:  “  Why  are  ye  fearful,  0  ye  of  little 
faith?" 

Why  did  they  deserve  to  be  called  of  little  faith? 

They  deserved  to  be  called  of  little  faith  because 
their  faith  should  have  told  them  that  no  evil  would 
befall  them  while  Christ  was  with  them,  even  if  He 
slept. 

Why  was  their  anxiety  unreasonable  ? 

Their  anxiety  was  unreasonable  because  God  never 
sleeps,  but  always  watches  over  us. 

Did  Jesus  prove  on  this  occasion  that  He  is  God? 

Yes;  He  commanded  the  winds  and  the  waves  to 


The  Daughter  of  Jair us  Raised  to  Life.  343 

subside,  and  at  once  a  great  calm  came  over  the 
waters. 

Why  did  Jesus  perform  this  miracle? 

Jesus  performed  this  miracle:  (1),  To  strengthen 
the  faith  of  His  disciples;  (2),  To  assure  them  that  He 
would  always  protect  them  in  the  storms  of  persecu¬ 
tion. 

Of  what  is  the  storm-tossed  boat  a  figure  ? 

i  It  is  a  figure  of  the  Church  which  has  been  battered 
by  the  persecution  of  centuries,  but  which  will  weather 
all  the  storms  till  at  last  it  sails  safely  into  the  harbor 
of  eternity. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  confidence  in  God, 
who  will  never  desert  His  Church  in  her  persecutions 
nor  His  children  in  their  trials. 


XXXIII.  JESUS  HEALS  THE  WOMAX  AF¬ 
FLICTED  WITH  AX  ISSUE  OF  BLOOD  AXD 

RAISES  THE  DAUGHTER  OF  JAIRUS  TO 

LIFE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  raised  a  dead  girl  to  life,  and 
cured  a  woman  who  was  afflicted  with  an  issue  of  blood. 

What  happened  when  Jesus  landed  after  the  storm? 

When  Jesus  landed  He  was  approached  by  a  ruler 
of  the  synagogue,  who  asked  Him  to  help  his  dying 
daughter. 

What  did  he  say  to  Jesus? 

He  said:  “  Lord,  my  daughter  is  even  now  dead, 
but  come,  lay  Thy  hand  upon  her,  and  she  shall  live/’ 


344 


The  New  Testament. 


Do  his  words  remind  us  of  some  other  similar 
occurrence  in  Our  Lord’s  public  life? 

Yes,  they  remind  us  of  What  the  centurion  said  to 
Jesus. 

Whose  faith  was  the  greater,  the  centurion’s  or 
Jairus’? 

The  faith  of  the  centurion  was  greater. 

Why  was  the  faith  of  the  centurion  greater? 

The  faith  of  the  centurion  was  greater  because  he 
did  not  consider  it  necessary  for  Jesus  to  see  the  sick 
person  to  cure  him. 

What  happened  while  Jesus  was  on  His  way  to  the 
daughter  of  Jairus? 

While  Jesus  was  on  His  way  to  the  daughter  of 
Jairus  a  woman  who  had  been  sick  twelve  years 
touched  His  garment  and  was  instantly  cured. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  her? 

Jesus  said  to  her:  “  Daughter,  thy  faith  hath  made 
thee  whole.” 

How  did  Jesus  raise  the  daughter  of  Jairus  to  life? 

Jesus  took  the  young  girl  by  the  hand  and  said  to 
her:  “  Damsel,  I  say  to  thee  arise.”  And  she  arose  at 
once. 

How  do  we  know  that  she  was  really  dead  ? 

We  know  that  she  was  really  dead:  (1),  From  the 
testimony  of  all  who  were  in  the  house;  (2),  From  the 
testimony  of  Jesus  Himself;  (3),  Because  the  musicians 
had  come,  as  was  customary,  to  mourn  her  death. 

How,  then,  could  Jesus  say:  “The  girl  is  not  dead, 
but  sleepeth  ”  ? 

He  could  say  this  because,  although  the  girl’s  soul 


The  First  Mission  of  the  Apostles .  345 

had  really  left  the  body,  still  for  Jesus,  who  is  all- 
powerful,  it  was  as  easy  to  restore  her  to  life  as  it 
wTould  he  to  awake  her  from  sleep. 

Is  sleep  an  image  of  death? 

Yes,  sleep  is  an  image  of  death  because  it  re¬ 
sembles  death  in  so  many  respects. 

How  long  will  our  body  be  separated  from  our  soul 
after  death? 

Our  body  will  be  separated  from  our  soul  until  the 
last  day. 

What  takes  place  then  ? 

The  body  is  united  to  the  soul  again  and  both 
appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of  God. 

Will  all  arise  in  the  same  condition? 

Yo,  the  bodies  of  the  just  will  be  glorified,  and  the 
bodies  of  the  wicked  will  be  hideous. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  all  confidence  in 
J esus  who  can  do  all  things. 

XXXIV.  THE  FIRST  MISSION  OF  THE 

APOSTLES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Jesus  sent  out  the  Apostles  on  their 
first  mission. 

What  was  the  result  of  Christ’s  preaching  and 
miracles  ? 

The  number  of  His  followers  increased  from  day  to 
day. 

What  did  Jesus  do  to  gratify  the  wish  of  all  who 
desired  to  listen  to  His  teaching? 

He  chose  twelve  men  to  assist  Him  in  His  work. 


346 


The  New  Testament . 


Name  them. 

They  were  Simon  Peter,  Andrew  his  brother,  James 
the  son  of  Zebedee,  and  John  his  brother,  Philip,  Bar¬ 
tholomew,  Thomas,  Matthew  the  publican,  James  the 
son  of  Alpheus,  Thaddeus,  Simon  Chananeus,  and 
Judas  Iscariot. 

What  did  Jesus  call  these  men? 

He  called  them  Apostles,  that  is,  men  who  have 
been  sent  as  ambassadors. 

Why  were  they  called  ambassadors? 

They  were  called  ambassadors:  (.1),  Because  they 
had  been  “  sent 99  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of 
Israel  and  then  to  the  whole  world;  (2),  Because  they 
were  representatives  of  Christ. 

Why  did  Christ  call  the  Israelites  lost  sheep? 

The  Israelites  were  lost  sheep  because  they  were 
without  a  shepherd. 

When  did  Christ  make  the  Apostles  His  representa¬ 
tives? 

Christ  made  the  Apostles  His  representatives  when 
He  said  to  them:  “  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  Me.” 

Did  Jesus  give  any  authority  to  His  Apostles? 

Yes,  He  gave  them:  (1),  The  authority  to  preach; 
(2)^  To  work  miracles;  (3),  To  bless. 

When  did  He  confer  the  authority  to  preach? 

He  conferred  the  authority  to  preach  when  He 
said:  “And  going,  preach,  saying  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  hand.” 

When  did  He  give  them  the  power  to  work 
miracles  ? 

He  gave  them  the  power  to  work  miracles  when  He 


The  First  Mission  of  the  Apostles.  347 

said:  “  Heal  the  sick,  raise  the  dead,  cleanse  the  lepers, 
cast  out  devils.” 

When  did  He  confer  the  power  to  bless  ? 

He  conferred  the  power  to  bless  when  He  said: 
“  And  when  you  come  into  a  house  salute  it,  saying: 
Peace  he  to  this  house!  And  if  that  house  he  worthy 
your  peace  shall  come  upon  it.” 

What  does  the  conferring  of  this  three-fold  power 
prove  ? 

The  conferring  of  this  three-fold  power  proves  that 
Jesus  is  God,  for  He  could  not  give  a  power  which  He 
Himself  did  not  possess,  and  only  God  could  possess 
such  powers. 

How  were  the  Apostles  to  exercise  their  office  ? 

They  were  to  exercise  their  office:  (1),  With  con¬ 
fidence  in  God;  (2),  Without  human  respect. 

When  did  Jesus  recommend  confidence  in  God? 

Jesus  recommended  confidence  when  He  said  to 
them:  “  Fear  ye  not  them  that  kill  the  body  and  are 
not  able  to  kill  the  soul,  but  rather  fear  him  that  can 
destroy  both  soul  and  body.  .  .  .  Are  not  two  sparrows 
sold  for  a  farthing:  And  not  one  of  them  shall  fall  on 
the  ground  without  your  Father.” 

Why  should  we  have  confidence  in  God  ? 

We  should  have  confidence  in  God  because  He 
always  watches  over  us,  and  can  protect  us  from  all 
danger. 

Did  Jesus  foretell  that  the  Apostles  would  be  per¬ 
secuted? 

Yes,  for  He  said:  “  Beware  of  men.  For  they  will 
deliver  you  up  in  councils,  and  they  will  scourge  you 
in  their  synagogues.  And  you  shall  he  brought  before 
governors  and  before  kings  for  My  sake.” 


348 


The  New  Testament . 


Did  Christ  promise  the  Apostles  any  reward  if  they 
remained  faithful  in  spite  of  persecutions? 

Yes,  He  said  to  them:  “  He  that  shall  lose  his  life 
for  Me  shall  find  it.” 

How  did  the  Apostles  fulfil  Christ’s  commission? 

They  passed  through  many  towns  of  Judea,  preach¬ 
ing  penance,  driving  out  devils,  and  healing  the  sick. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  be  always  cou¬ 
rageous  and  to  trust  in  God;  (2),  To  ask  God  to  give 
good  priests  to  His  Church. 

XXXY.  THE  BEHEADING  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE 

BAPTIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  St.  John  was  cast  into  prison  and 
beheaded  by  Herod. 

Why  was  St.  John  cast  into  prison? 

St.  John  was  cast  into  prison  because  he  repri¬ 
manded  Herod  for  his  sins. 

What  occurred  while  St.  John  was  in  prison? 

The  daughter  of  the  adulterous  Herodias  pleased 
Herod  so  much  by  her  dancing  that  he  swore  he  would 
give  her  whatever  she  asked. 

What  did  she  ask? 

She  asked  for  the  head  of  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

Did  Herod  grant  her  request? 

Yes,  he  granted  it. 

How  many  sins  did  Herod  commit  ? 

He  committed:  (1),  Adultery;  (2),  Incest;  (3), 
Murder;  (4),  Rash  oath. 


The  Miracle  of  the  Loaves  and  Fishes .  349 

Why  was  Herod’s  oath  rash? 

Herod's  oath  was  rash  because  he  swore  without 
sufficient  reason;  moreover  he  swore  to  grant  any¬ 
thing  (even  if  it  were  sinful)  the  girl  might  ask. 

What  is  an  oath? 

An  oath  is  the  calling  on  God  to  witness  the  truth 
of  what  we  say. 

What  is  necessary  to  make  an  oath  lawful? 

In  order  to  make  an  oath  lawful  it  is  necessary  that 
what  we  swear  be  true,  or  if  it  be  promissory  what 
we  swear  to  do  be  good,  and  that  we  have  sufficient 
reason  for  taking  the  oath. 

Was  not  Herod  obliged  to  keep  his  oath  ? 

No,  he  had  sworn  to  do  something  wrong  if  the  girl 
asked,  so  it  was  not  a  lawful  oath. 

For  which  virtues  was  St.  John  distinguished? 

St.  John  was  distinguished:  (1),  For  his  fortitude; 
(2)?  For  his  fidelity  to  his  office. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  the  Beheading 
of  St.  John  the  Baptist? 

We  celebrate  this  feast  on  the  twenty-ninth  of 
August. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  not  to  take  a  rash  or  false 
oath. 


XXXVI.  THE  MIRACLE  OF  THE  LOAVES  AND 
FISHES.— JESUS  FEEDS  MIRACULOUSLY 
FIVE  THOUSAND  MEN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  fed  five  thousand  men  with 
five  loaves  and  two  fishes. 


350 


The  New  Testament. 


Which  of  His  attributes  does  Jesus  display  in  this 
lesson  ? 

Jesus  displays  in  this  lesson:  (1),  His  goodness,  and 
(2),  His  almighty  power. 

How  did  Jesus  show  His  goodness? 

He  showed  His  goodness  by  providing  for  the 
spiritual  and  bodily  nourishment  of  the  people. 

How  did  He  show  that  He  is  all-powerful? 

He  showed  that  He  is  all-powerful  by  performing 
a  miracle  to  provide  for  the  bodily  nourishment  of  the 
people. 

What  was  the  miracle  ? 

He  fed  five  thousand  men  with  five  loaves  and  two 
fishes. 

Of  what  was  this  miracle  a  figure? 

It  was  a  figure  of  the  spiritual  nourishment  of  our 
soul  through  the  Sacrament  of  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

What  did  Jesus  do  before  He  performed  the  miracle? 

Before  He  performed  the  miracle  Jesus  raised  His 
eyes  to  heaven  and  prayed. 

What  impression  did  the  miracle  make  on  the  Jews? 

They  recognized  in  Jesus  the  promised  Messias,  and 
as  they  thought  the  Messias  would  be  a  powerful 
worldly  prince,  they  wanted  to  make  Him  king. 

What  did  they  expect  from  their  worldly  Messias? 

They  expected  Him  to  liberate  them  from  the  yoke 
of  the  Romans. 

What  did  Jesus  do  when  He  noticed  that  they 
wanted  to  make  Him  king  ? 

When  Jesus  noticed  that  they  wanted  to  make  Him 
king,  He  retired  from  them  to  pray. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  say  our  prayers  before 


Jesus  Walks  Upon  the  Water. 


351 


and  after  meals,  and  to  seek  consolation  in  prayer 
rather  than  in  the  pursuit  of  worldly  honors. 


XXXVII.  JESUS  WALKS  UPOX  THE  WATER. 

How  many  miracles  are  mentioned  in  this  lesson? 

Four  miracles  are  mentioned:  (1),  Jesus  walks  upon 
the  water;  (2),  Peter,  too,  at  the  command  of  Jesus 
walks  upon  the  water;  (3),  When  Jesus  entered  the 
boat  the  storm  was  stilled;  (4),  As  soon  as  Jesus 
touched  the  boat  it  was  brought  to  land. 

How  far  was  the  boat  from  land? 

It  was  about  a  mile  and  a  half,  which  distance  was 
covered  in  an  instant. 

What  did  Jesus  intend  by  this  miracle? 

He  intended:  (1),  To  strengthen  the  faith  of  His 
Apostles;  (2),  That  the  miracle  should  serve  as  a 
figure  of  St.  Peter  and  His  Church. 

Why  did  Jesus  wish  to  strengthen  the  faith  of  the 
Apostles  just  at  this  time? 

Jesus  wished  to  strengthen  the  faith  of  the  Apostles 
at  this  time  because  He  was  just  about  to  reveal  to 
them  the  great  mystery  of  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

How  was  the  miracle  a  figure  of  St.  Peter? 

It  was  a  figure  of  the  infallibility  of  Peter;  he 
could  not  sink. 

How  was  it  a  figure  of  the  Church  ? 

It  was  a  figure  of  the  Church  in  as  far  as  it  shows 
that  Jesus  always  watches  over  it. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  always  loyal  to  the 
Pope,  the  successor  of  St.  Peter. 


352 


The  New  Testament. 


XXXVIII.  THE  PROMISE  TO  INSTITUTE  THE 
BLESSED  SACRAMENT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  promised  to  give  the  Jews  food 
that  would  never  perish. 

Where  did  Jesus  make  this  promise? 

Jesus  made  this  promise  in  the  synagogue  at 
Capharnaum. 

How  did  Jesus  promise  this  bread? 

He  said:  “  Labor  not  for  the  meat  which  perisheth, 
but  for  that  which  endureth  unto  life  everlasting, 
which  the  Son  of  man  will  give  you.” 

Did  Christ  tell  them  what  the  imperishable  bread 
was? 

Yes,  He  said  that  He  Himself  was  this  bread. 

When  did  He  say  this? 

Jesus  told  them  that  He  was  the  imperishable 
bread  when  He  said  to  the  Jews:  “ I  am  the  living 
bread,  which  came  down  from  heaven.  If  any  man  eat 
of  this  bread  he  shall  live  forever,  and  the  bread  which 
I  will  give  is  My  flesh  for  the  life  of  the  world.” 

How  did  the  Jews  understand  Christ’s  words? 

They  understood  them  literally,  that  is,  that  He 
meant  to  give  them  His  real  body. 

But  did  they  believe  that  He  could  do  it  ? 

No,  they  thought  it  was  impossible  for  Him  to  give 
His  real  body  for  food. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  thought  it  impossible? 

They  said  among  themselves:  “  How  can  this  man 
give  us  His  flesh  to  eat?” 


The  Promise  to  Institute  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  353 

How  did  Jesus  wish  them  to  understand  His  words? 

He  wished  them  to  understand  His  words  literally, 
as  they  actually  did. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  that  Jesus  wished  the  Jews  to  under¬ 
stand  His  words  literally:  (1),  Because  He  repeated  the 
promise;  (2),  Because  He  threatened  to  punish  those 
who  would  not  eat  this  bread;  (3),  Because  He  prom¬ 
ised  eternal  happiness  to  all  who  would  partake  of  it; 

(4) ,  Because  He  permitted  many  to  leave  Him  forever, 
as  they  thought  that  He  could  not  give  His  real  body; 

(5) ,  Because  He  was  ready  to  let  even  His  Apostles  go 
rather  than  correct  the  impression  they  had  received 
from  His  words,  namely,  that  He  was  going  to  give  His 
real  body. 

How  did  He  threaten  to  punish  those  who  would 
not  eat  this  bread? 

He  said:  “Amen,  amen  I  say  unto  you,  unless  you 
eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  His  blood, 
you  shall  not  have  life  in  you.” 

How  did  He  repeat  His  promise  ? 

He  said:  “My  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  My  blood 
is  drink  indeed.” 

When  did  He  promise  to  reward  all  who  would  eat 
this  bread? 

He  promised  to  reward  all  who  would  eat  this 
bread  when  He  said:  “  He  that  eateth  My  flesh,  and 
clrinketh  My  blood,  hath  everlasting  life,  and  I  will 
raise  him  up  in  the  last  day.” 

How  did  the  disciples  receive  the  words  of  Christ  ? 

Many  of  them  were  scandalized  and  said:  “  This 
saying  is  hard,  and  who  can  hear  it?  ” 


354 


The  New  Testament . 


Did  Jesus  take  back  His  words  or  change  them  when 
He  saw  that  some  of  His  disciples  were  scandalized? 

No,  He  repeated  His  promise,  and  appealed  to  His 
almighty  power  to  show  that  He  could  give  them  His 
real  body. 

How  did  He  appeal  to  His  almighty  power  ? 

He  said:  “  Doth  this  scandalize  you?  If  then  you 
shall  see  the  Son  of  man  ascend  up  where  He  was 
before?  ” 

To  what  did  Jesus  refer? 

He  referred  to  His  Ascension  into  heaven,  which 
was  due  to  His  almighty  power. 

Did  this  explanation  satisfy  His  disciples? 

Some  of  them  believed  His  words,  others  remained 
stubborn  in  their  unbelief  and  left  Jesus  forever. 

Was  this  promise  a  test  of  the  faith  of  the  disciples? 

Yes,  it  was  a  test  of  their  faith. 

Was  Jesus  ready  to  let  all  the  Apostles  go  rather 
than  take  back  His  words? 

Yes,  for  He  said  to  them:  “Will  you  also  go 
away?  ” 

What  did  the  Apostles  answer  ? 

St.  Peter  spoke  for  the  Apostles  and  said:  “Lord, 
to  whom  shall  we  go?  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal 
life.” 

What  follows  from  all  this? 

It  follows  from  all  this  that  Jesus  promised  to  give 
His  real  body  and  blood  for  the  spiritual  nourishment 
of  our  soul. 

When  did  Jesus  make  this  promise? 

J esus  made  this  promise  about  Easter  in  the  second 
year  of  His  public  life,  a  year  before  His  death. 


The  Woman  of  Clianaan. 


355 


When  did  Jesus  fulfil  His  promise? 

He  fulfilled  His  promise  one  year  later,  when  He 
instituted  the  Blessed  Sacrament  at  the  Last  Supper. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  prepare  ourselves  well 
to  receive  holy  communion. 

Which  commandment  of  the  Church  obliges  us  to 
receive  holy  communion  once  a  year? 

The  fourth  commandment  of  the  Church  obliges 
us  to  receive  holy  communion  once  a  year. 

Should  we  receive  holy  communion  more  than  once 
a  year  ? 

Yes,  we  should  receive  holy  communion  more  than 
once  a  year  because  holy  communion  is  just  as  neces¬ 
sary  for  the  soul  as  food  is  for  the  body. 


XXXIX.  THE  WOMAN  OF  CHANAAX. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  drove  a  devil  out  of  the 
daughter  of  a  woman  of  Clianaan. 

Did  the  woman  ask  Jesus  to  free  her  daughter  from 
the  devil? 

Yes,  she  ran  after  Him  and  cried  out:  “  Have  mercy 
on  me,  0  Lord,  Thou  Son  of  David;  my  daughter  is 
grievously  troubled  by  a  devil.” 

Did  Jesus  hear  her  request  at  once  ? 

No,  He  did  not  answer  her  at  all. 

Why  did  Jesus  not  answer  her? 

He  wished  to  test  her  faith. 


356 


The  New  Testament. 


How  did  she  stand  the  test? 

She  still  continued  to  beseech  Our  Lord  to  hear  her 
prayer. 

How  was  she  rewarded  for  persevering  in  her 
prayer? 

She  gained  the  sympathy  of  the  Apostles,  who 
begged  Jesus  to  hear  her  prayer. 

What  did  He  reply? 

He  replied:  “I  was  not  sent  but  to  the  sheep  that 
are  lost  of  the  house  of  Israel/’ 

What  was  the  meaning  of  these  words? 

These  words  meant  that  the  Messias  was  promised 
first  to  the  Jews,  consequently  He  was  sent  first  to 
them. 

Did  the  woman  understand  the  meaning  of  the 
words  of  Jesus? 

Yes,  she  acknowledged  the  justice  of  Christ’s  re¬ 
mark,  but  still  persisted  in  her  request. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  her? 

He  said:  “It  is  not  good  to  take  the  bread  of  the 
children  and  to  cast  it  to  the  dogs.'’ 

Did  she  still  persist  in  her  prayer  after  this  rebuff? 

\"es,  she  said  to  Jesus:  “  Yea,  Lord,  for  the  whelps 
also  eat  of  the  crumbs  that  fall  from  the  table  of  their 
masters.” 

Did  Jesus  finally  hear  her  prayer? 

Y"es,  He  cured  her  daughter. 

Which  virtues  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  the  virtues  of  faith  and 
humility. 


The  Keys  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  357 


XL.  JESUS  PROMISES  ST.  PETER  THE  KEYS 
OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  promised  to  confer  on  St. 
Peter  the  highest  office  in  His  Church. 

Where  did  He  make  the  promise? 

He  made  the  promise  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Csesarea  Philippi. 

Where  is  Caesarea  Philippi? 

It  is  about  thirty  miles  from  the  Lake  of  Genes- 
areth. 

What  did  Jesus  do  before  He  promised  St.  Peter 
the  Primacy? 

Before  Jesus  promised  St.  Peter  the  Primacy  He 
tried  his  faith. 

In  what  did  the  test  consist? 

St.  Peter  was  to  make  an  open  profession  of  his 
faith  in  the  divinity  of  Christ. 

Did  the  most  of  the  Jews  believe  in  the  divinity  of 
Christ  ? 

No,  many  thought  Christ  was  St.  John,  or  Jeremias, 
or  one  of  the  prophets. 

How  was  it  that  the  Jews  did  not  recognize  their 
Messias  when  all  that  had  been  foretold  of  Him  was 
fulfilled  in  Jesus? 

The  Jews  did  not  recognize  Jesus  as  the  Messias 
because  their  principal  idea  of  the  Messias  was  not 
realized  in  Him;  they  thought  He  would  be  a  rich 
worldly  prince,  and  they  saw  that  Jesus  was  poor. 


358 


The  New  Testament . 


How  did  St.  Peter  profess  his  faith  in  the  divinity 
of  Christ? 

When  Jesus  said  to  St.  Peter:  “  Whom  do  you  say  I 
am?  ”  St.  Peter  answered:  “  Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son 
of  the  living  God.” 

What  is  faith? 

Faith  is  a  divine  virtue  by  which  we  firmly  believe 
all  that  God  has  revealed,  because  He  can  neither  de¬ 
ceive  nor  be  deceived. 

When  do  we  receive  this  virtue  ? 

We  receive  it  in  Baptism. 

Which  other  virtues  do  we  receive  at  the  same  time  ? 

We  also  receive  the  virtues  of  hope  and  charity  in 
Baptism. 

How  do  we  receive  these  virtues? 

They  are  infused  into  our  soul,  hence  they  are 
called  infused  virtues. 

What  other  name  have  they? 

They  are  called  theological  virtues. 

Why  are  they  called  theological  ? 

They  are  called  theological  because  they  refer 
directly  to  God. 

When  should  we  make  the  acts  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity  ? 

We  should  make  the  acts  every  morning. 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  St.  Peter’s  public  profession 
of  faith? 

After  St.  Peter’s  public  profession  of  faith:  (1), 
Jesus  confirmed  the  testimony  of  St.  Peter  by  calling 
Himself  the  Son  of  God;  (2),  He  called  St.  Peter 
blessed  on  account  of  his  faith;  (3)?  He  promised  to 
make  him  the  visible  head  of  His  Church. 


The  Keys  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  359 

When  did  He  confirm  St.  Peter’s  testimony  and  call 
him  blessed? 

Jesus  confirmed  St.  Peter’s  testimony  and  called 
him  blessed  when  He  said:  “Blessed  art  thou,  Simon 
Bar  Jona,  because  flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  it 
to  thee,  but  My  Father  who  is  in  heaven.” 

When  did  He  promise  to  make  St.  Peter  the  head  of 
His  Church  ? 

He  promised  to  make  St.  Peter  the  head  of  His 
Church  when -He  said:  “  Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this 
rock  I  will  build  My  Church.” 

How  many  Churches  did  Jesus  found? 

He  founded  only  one  Church,  for  He  said:  “  I 
will  build  My  ‘  Church  ’  ” — not  Churches. 

Is  the  Church  of  Christ  visible? 

Yes,  the  Church  of  Christ  is  visible  because  it  rests 
on  a  visible  foundation  and  consists  of  visible  mem¬ 
bers  who  may  be  recognized  as  members  of  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

How  long  will  the  Church  last? 

The  Church  will  last  till  the  end  of  the  world,  for 
Christ  said:  “  The  gates  of  hell  will  not  prevail 
against  it.” 

What  did  Jesus  mean  when  He  told  St.  Peter  that 
He  would  give  him  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 

When  Jesus  said  that  He  would  give  St.  Peter  the 
keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  He  meant  that  He 
would  confer  upon  St.  Peter  the  highest  authority  and 
power  in  His  Church. 

In  what  does  this  supreme  power  consist? 

It  consists  in  the  highest  power  to  teach,  to  make 
laws,  and  to  judge. 


360 


The  New  Testament. 


So  what  position  in  the  Church  was  promised  to  St. 
Peter? 

He  was  promised  the  office  of  the  Vicar  of  Christ. 

Who  are  the  vicars  of  Christ  on  earth  after  the 
death  of  St.  Peter? 

The  successors  of  St.  Peter,  the  Bishops  of  Rome, 
are  the  vicars  of  Christ. 

What  is  our  duty  towards  the  Popes,  the  vicars  of 
Christ  on  earth? 

(]),  We  should  respect,  love,  and  obey  them;  (2), 
We  should  pray  for  them. 


XLI.  THE  TRANSFIGURATION  OF  JESUS  ON 

MOUNT  THABOR. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  was  transfigured  on  Mount 
Thabor.  . 

Where  is  Mount  Thabor? 

Mount  Thabor  is  southeast  of  Nazareth,  about  sixty 
miles  from  Ciesarea. 

Why  is  the  Transfiguration  of  great  importance? 

The  Transfiguration  is  of  great  importance  be¬ 
cause  the  heavenly  Father  testified  publicly  that  Jesus 
is  His  beloved  Son. 

What  did  the  Father  say? 

He  said:  “  This  is  My  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased;  hear  ye  Him.” 

Did  the  Father  give  a  similar  testimony  on  any 
other  occasion? 

Yes,  He  gave  the  same  testimony  when  Jesus  was 
baptized  in  the  Jordan. 


The  Transfiguration  of  Jesus  on  Mount  TJiabor.  361 

Who  were  present  at  the  Transfiguration  on  Mount 
Thabor? 

Moses  and  Elias,  and  the  Apostles  Peter,  James, 
and  J ohn  were  present. 

Why  were  Moses  and  Elias  present? 

Moses  and  Elias  were  present  to  show:  (1),  That 
Jesus  wras  the  Messias  foretold  by  the  prophets;  (2), 
That  the  New  Testament  was  the  fulfilment  of  the 
Old  Testament. 

Why  did  Jesus  wish  to  have  the  three  Apostles 
present  ? 

Our  Lord  wished  to  show  Himself  in  His  glory,  so 
that  they  might  not  he  scandalized  when  they  would 
see  Him  in  His  Passion. 

What  mystery  is  just  the  contrary  of  Christ’s  Trans¬ 
figuration? 

His  crucifixion  is  the  contrary  of  His  Transfigura¬ 
tion. 

What  was  Jesus  doing  when  the  Transfiguration 
took  place  ? 

He  was  praying. 

Did  the  Apostles  share  in  the  Transfiguration? 

Yes,  they  shared  in  it  in  as  far  as  they  were  trans¬ 
ported  with  joy  at  the  sight. 

How  did  St.  Peter  express  his  joy? 

He  said:  “  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here.  If 
Thou  wilt,  let  us  make  here  three  tabernacles,  one  for 
Thee,  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias/’ 

Of  what  does  the  Transfiguration  remind  us? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  consolation  we  experience  in 
prayer,  and  the  great  joy  which  awaits  us  in  heaven 
if  we  serve  God  faithfully. 


3G2 


The  New  Testament. 


What  is  prayer  ? 

Prayer  is  the  lifting  up  of  our  minds  and  hearts  to 
God  to  adore  Him,  to  thank  Him  for  His  benefits,  to 
ask  His  forgiveness  and  to  beg  of  Him  the  graces  we 
need,  whether  for  the  soul  or  body. 

What  are  the  effects  of  prayer? 

Prayer  unites  us  with  God,  strengthens  us  to  avoid 
evil  and  do  good,  obtains  comfort  for  us  in  our  trouble, 
help  in  our  need  and  the  grace  to  persevere  to  the  end. 

Did  Jesus  prophesy  on  this  occasion? 

Yes,  He  prophesied  His  Resurrection,  for  He  said: 
“  Tell  the  vision  to  no  man  till  the  Son  of  man  be  risen 
from  the  dead.” 


XLII.  THE  TRIBUTE  FOR  THE  TEMPLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  paid  the  Temple  tax  for  Him¬ 
self  and  St.  Peter. 

How  much  was  the  annual  tribute  for  the  Temple  ? 

The  annual  tribute  for  the  Temple  was  a  di¬ 
drachma. 

How  much  was  this  in  our  money  ? 

A  didrachma  was  about  a  shilling. 

Was  Jesus  obliged  to  pay  this  tribute? 

Ho,  He  was  not  obliged  to  pay  it. 

How  can  we  prove  it  from  His  words  on  this  occa¬ 
sion? 

He  asked  the  Jews,  of  whom  the  kings  of  the  earth 
exacted  tribute,  of  the  children  or  strangers;  and  they 
said,  of  strangers;  and  Jesus  said:  “Then  the  children 
are  free.” 


Jesus  Blesses  the  Little  Children. 


363 


What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words  “  the  children 
are  free  ”  ? 

The  meaning  is:  "If  the  children  of  the  kings  are 
exempt  from  paying  the  tribute,  I,  who  am  the  Son  of 
the  King  of  kings,  must  be  free  ” 

Why  did  Christ  pay  the  tribute  if  He  was  not 
obliged  ? 

He  paid  it  lest  the  Jews  might  be  scandalized. 

What  did  Jesus  do  on  this  occasion? 

He  commanded  St.  Peter  to  cast  in  his  line,  and 
having  caught  a  fish  to  open  its  mouth;  Peter  did  as 
commanded  and  found  a  stater — enough  to  pay  for 
Christ  and  himself. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  not  to  give  bad  example. 

XLIII.  JESUS  BLESSES  THE  LITTLE  CHIL¬ 
DREN. — OK  SCANDAL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  blessed  the  little  children  and 
warned  His  disciples  against  scandal. 

Whom  did  Jesus  hold  up  as  an  example  for  His 
Apostles  ? 

Jesus  held  up  as  an  example  a  little  child. 

Which  virtues  of  a  child  were  they  to  imitate? 

They  were  to  imitate  its  simplicity  and  humility. 

Against  which  sin  does  Jesus  warn  the  Apostles? 

He  warns  them  against  the  sin  of  scandal. 

What  does  He  say  about  this  sin  ? 

He  says:  "And  whosoever  shall  scandalize  one  of 
these  little  ones  that  believe  in  Me:  it  were  better  for 


304 


The  New  Testament. 


him  that  a  millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and 
that  he  should  be  drowned  in  the  depth  of  the  sea.” 

Which  Commandment  forbids  scandal? 

The  fifth  Commandment  forbids  scandal. 

What  sins  are  forbidden  by  the  fifth  Command¬ 
ment? 

All  sins  that  are  injurious  to  our  neighbor’s  bodily 
or  spiritual  welfare  are  forbidden  by  the  fifth  Com¬ 
mandment. 

Has  God  placed  any  special  protection  over  us? 

Yes,  He  has  given  every  one  a  guardian  angel. 

How  do  we  know  that  we  have  guardian  angels? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  Jesus:  “  For  I  say 
to  you  that  their  angels  in  heaven  always  see  the  face 
of  My  Father,  who  is  in  heaven.” 

How  should  we  conduct  ourselves  towards  our 
guardian  angels? 

We  should  venerate  them,  invoke  their  aid,  listen 
to  and  follow  their  advice,  and  be  careful  not  to  grieve 
them  by  a  mortal  sin. 

When  is  the  Feast  of  the  Guardian  Angels? 

The  Feast  of  the  Guardian  Angels  is  on  the  second 
of  October. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  avoid  giving  scandal. 

XLIV.  THE  POWER  TO  FORGIVE  SINS  CON¬ 
FERRED  ON  THE  APOSTLES.— THE  PAR¬ 
ABLE  OF  THE  UNFORGIVING  SERVANT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  conferred  on  His  Apostles  the 
power  to  forgive  sins;  it  also  relates  the  parable  of  the 
unforgiving  servant. 


Power  to  Forgive  Sins  Conferred  on  the  Apostles.  365 

Did  Our  Lord  confer  on  the  Apostles  the  power  to 
forgive  and  retain  sins? 

Yes,  Our  Lord  conferred  the  power  to  forgive  and 
retain  sins  when  He  said  to  the  Apostles:  u  Amen  I  say 
to  you:  whatsoever  you  shall  hind  on  earth  shall  be 
hound  also  in  heaven;  and  whatsoever  you  shall  loose 
on  earth  shall  be  loosed  also  in  heaven.” 

Had  St.  Peter  already  received  the  same  power? 

Yes,  St.  Peter  had  already  received  the  power  to 
forgive  and  retain  sins. 

Was  the  power  of  the  Apostles  to  forgive  sins  as 
ample  as  St.  Peter’s? 

Yes,  the  power  to  forgive  sins  was  just  as  ample 
in  the  other  Apostles  as  in  St.  Peter;  but  St.  Peter 
being  the  head  of  the  Apostles,  they  were  all  subject 
to  him. 

Did  the  power  to  forgive  sins  pass  from  the  Apostles 
to  others? 

Yes,  the  power  to  forgive  sins  passed  to  their  suc¬ 
cessors,  the  bishops  of  the  Church. 

How  do  we  know  that  Christ  intended  this  power 
to  pass  to  others? 

We  know  that  Christ  intended  this  power  to  pass 
to  others,  because  He  conferred  it  for  the  benefit  of  all 
the  members  of  His  Church,  which  will  last  till  the  end 
of  time. 

What  does  Jesus  wish  to  show  by  the  parable  of 
the  unforgiving  servant? 

He  wishes  to  show  the  infinite  mercy  of  God. 

Who  is  the  servant  who  owed  ten  thousand  tal¬ 
ents? 

Every  sinner  is  this  servant. 


366 


The  New  Testament. 


Could  the  sinner  himself  satisfy  for  his  sins? 

No,  the  sinner  could  not  satisfy  for  his  sins  he- 
cause  the  debt  in  a.  certain  sense  was  infinite. 

Why  was  it  in  a  certain  sense  infinite  ? 

The  debt  was  in  a  certain  sense  infinite  because  the 
offence  was  directed  against  an  infinite  being — God. 

What  lesson  does  this  parable  teach  us? 

It  teaches  that  almighty  God  is  ready  to  forgive 
sins  under  certain  conditions. 

Name  one  of  these  conditions. 

One  of  the  conditions  is  that  we  forgive  our  fellow- 
men. 

When  do  we  express  our  willingness  to  fulfil  this 
condition? 

As  often  as  we  say  the  Lord's  Prayer:  “  Forgive  us 
our  trespasses  as  we  forgive  them  who  trespass  against 
us/?  we  express  our  willingness  to  forgive  our  fellow- 
men. 

XLV.  JESUS  SENDS  FOETH  HIS  SEVENTY- 

TWO  DISCIPLES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  sent  forth  His  seventy-two 
disciples. 

Whom  did  Jesus  give  the  Apostles  to  assist  them  in 
their  work? 

Jesus  gave  the  Apostles  seventy-two  disciples  to 
assist  them. 

How  did  Jesus  send  out  the  disciples? 

He  sent  them  out  in  pairs,  two  and  two. 

Why  did  He  send  them  out  in  pairs? 

OHe  sent  them  out  in  pairs:  (1),  Because  they  were 


The  Love  of  God  and  Our  Neighbor.  367 

to  give  testimony  to  His  teaching,  and  the  testimony 
of  two  is  stronger  than  one;  (2),  That  by  their  harmony 
and  brotherly  love  they  might  show  that  they  came  to 
preach  the  gospel  of  peace. 

How  is  the  world  obliged  to  treat  the  representa¬ 
tives  of  Jesus  Christ? 

The  world  must  receive  the  representatives  of 
Jesus  Christ,  listen  to  them,  and  believe  in  their  doc¬ 
trine. 

Why  did  the  disciples  rejoice  on  their  return? 

They  rejoiced  on  their  return  because  of  the  suc¬ 
cess  which  they  had  won  througn  the  grace  of  God. 

How  did  Jesus  complete  their  joy? 

Jesus  completed  their  joy:  (1),  By  consoling  them; 
(2),  By  assuring  them  of  their  reward  in  heaven. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  give  God  the  honor  for 
all  our  success. 

XL VI.  THE  COMMANDMENTS  OF  THE  LOVE 
OF  GOD  AND  OUR  NEIGHBOR.— THE  GOOD 
SAMARITAN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  Jesus  said  to  the  doctor  of  the  Law, 
and  the  story  of  the  good  Samaritan. 

What  important  doctrine  did  Jesus  proclaim  to  the 
doctor  of  the  Law? 

He  told  him  that  in  order  to  save  his  soul  he  had 
to  observe  two  commandments:  (1),  To  love  God; 
(2),  To  love  his  neighbor. 

What  is  the  commandment  of  the  love  of  God  ? 

The  commandment  of  the  love  of  God  is:  “  Thou 


368 


The  New  Testament . 


shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  thy  whole  heart,  and 
with  thy  whole  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and 
with  all  thy  mind.” 

Which  of  the  ten  Commandments  does  this  com¬ 
prise  ? 

The  commandment  of  the  love  of  God  comprises 
the  first  three  Commandments. 

What  are  we  commanded  by  the  first  Command¬ 
ment? 

By  the  first  Commandment  we  are  commanded  to 
adore  God  alone. 

What  are  we  commanded  by  the  second  Command¬ 
ment? 

By  the  second  Commandment  we  are  commanded  to 
speak  with  reverence  of  God  and  the  saints  and  of  all 
holy  things,  and  to  keep  our  lawful  oaths  and  vows. 

What  are  we  commanded  by  the  third  Command¬ 
ment? 

By  the  third  Commandment  we  are  commanded  to 
keep  holy  the  Lord’s  day  and  holydays  of  obligation. 

What  is  the  commandment  of  the  love  of  our 
neighbor? 

The  commandment  of  the  love  of  our  neighbor  is: 
“  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.” 

Mention  a  saying  that  expresses  the  same  idea. 

“  Do  unto  others  as  you  would  that  others  do  unto 
you.” 

Who  is  our  neighbor  ? 

Every  one,  enemy  as  well  as  friend,  is  our  neighbor. 

How  did  Jesus  explain  this? 

He  explained  it  by  the  parable  of  the  good  Samari¬ 
tan. 


The  Love  of  God  and  Our  Neighbor.  369 

Which  were  the  characteristics  of  the  Samaritan’s 
love? 

The  Samaritan’s  love  was  sincere,  unselfish,  and 
nniversal. 

How  do  we  know  that  his  love  was  sincere  ? 

We  know  that  his  love  was  sincere  because  he  not 
only  sympathized  with  the  wounded  man,  but  actually 
helped  him. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  unselfish  ? 

We  know  that  his  love  was  unselfish  because  he 
sought  no  reward  or  return  for  the  good  he  did. 

How  do  we  know  that  it  was  universal  ? 

We  know  that  it  was  universal  because  he  helped 
a  J ew,  an  enemy  of  his  people. 

Should  our  love  also  have  these  characteristics  ? 

Yes,  our  love  should  be  sincere,  unselfish,  and  uni¬ 
versal. 

Against  which  Commandments  did  the  robbers  sin? 

They  sinned  against  the  fifth  and  seventh  Com¬ 
mandments. 

What  does  the  fifth  Commandment  forbid? 

The  fifth  Commandment  forbids  all  sins  that  injure 
the  body  or  soul  of  our  neighbor. 

How  can  we  injure  the  soul  of  our  neighbor? 

We  can  injure  the  soul  of  our  neighbor:  (1),  By  in¬ 
ducing  him  to  commit  sin;  (2),  By  being  the  occasion 
of  sin. 

What  does  the  seventh  Commandment  forbid? 

The  seventh  Commandment  forbids  all  sins  which 
injure  or  destroy  our  neighbor’s  property. 

Mention  some  of  the  sins  against  this  Command¬ 
ment. 

Stealing,  fraud,  damaging  another’s  property,  get- 


370 


The  New  Testament. 


ting  money  under  false  pretences,  as,  for  example, 
giving  a  wrong  age  when  about  to  join  insurance 
societies,  usury,  and  every  other  sin  against  justice,  are 
sins  against  the  seventh  Commandment. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  kind  to  all,  even  our 
enemies,  when  they  are  in  affliction. 

XLVII.  MARTHA  AND  MARY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Martha  and  Mary  received  our 
divine  Lord  into  their  home. 

Where  did  this  biblical  event  take  place? 

It  took  place  in  Bethany. 

Where  is  Bethany? 

Bethany  lies  on  the  southeastern  side  of  Mount 
Olivet,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Jerusalem. 

Of  what  is  Martha  a  model  ? 

Martha  is  a  model  of  fidelity  to  her  calling. 

What  was  Martha’s  calling? 

She  was  housekeeper. 

How  did  she  show  her  fidelity  to  her  calling? 

Martha  showed  her  fidelity  to  her  calling  by  leaving 
nothing  undone  to  receive  Jesus  in  a  befitting  manner. 

Did  Jesus  censure  Martha  for  doing  her  work  faith¬ 
fully? 

No,  but  He  blamed  her  for  her  undue  solicitude 
and  anxiety  for  temporal  affairs. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  her? 

Jesus  said:  “  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art  careful  and 
troubled  about  many  things.  But  one  thing  is  neces¬ 
sary.” 


Jesus  the  Good  Shepherd ,  and  the  Lost  Sheep.  371 

Of  what  is  Mary  a  model? 

Mary  is  a  model  of  the  perfect  love  of  God. 

How  did  this  perfect  love  of  God  show  itself? 

It  showed  itself  in  her  utter  neglect  of  everything 
except  Jesus. 

Which  of  the  sisters  was  the  more  sensible? 

Mary  was  the  more  sensible  because  “  she  chose  the 
better  part.” 

In  what  did  the  better  part  consist  ? 

It  consisted  in  possessing  God  for  all  eternity. 

What  should  we  learn  from  Martha? 

We  should  learn  from  Martha  to  fulfil  the  duties  of 
our  state  of  life  industriously  and  conscientiously. 

What  should  we  learn  from  Mary? 

We  should  learn  from  Mary  to  work  for  the  “  one 
thing  necessary,”  the  salvation  of  our  soul. 

XLVIII.  JESUS  THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD,  AND 

THE  LOST  SHEEP. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  good  shepherd. 

What  does  Jesus  call  Himself  in  the  parable  of  the 
good  shepherd? 

Jesus  calls  Himself  the  good  shepherd. 

Which  are  the  marks  of  a  good  shepherd? 

The  good  shepherd:  (1),  Leads  his  sheep:  Jesus 
does  this  by  His  words  and  example;  (2),  He  protects 
them  against  all  attacks:  Jesus  guards  us  against  evils 
of  the  soul  and  body;  (3),  He  takes  care  of  all  the 
sheep:  Jesus  loves  all  of  us,  “  And  other  sheep  I  have 
which  are  not  of  this  fold;  them  also  I  must  bring;” 


372 


The  New  Testament. 


(4),  The  good  shepherd  must  be  willing  to  defend  his 
sheep  with  his  life:  Jesus  gave  up  Ilis  life  to  rescue 
His  sheep  from  the  clutches  of  Satan. 

When  did  Jesus  give  up  His  life? 

Jesus  gave  up  Ilis  life  when  He  died  on  the  cross. 

What  does  Jesus  show  us  in  the  parable  of  the  lost 
sheep  ? 

In  this  parable  He  shows  us  His  great  love  for  the 
sinner,  who,  like  the  lost  sheep,  has  strayed  from  the 
right  path. 

How  does  He  show  His  love  for  the  sinner  in  this 
parable  ? 

He  shows  His  love  for  the  sinner  in  this  parable  by 
seeking  the  sinner,  calling  him,  and  when  He  has  found 
him  by  taking  him  back  to  the  fold. 

How  does  Jesus  do  this  for  the  sinner? 

He  does  it  by  Ilis  grace. 

What  important  doctrine  of  our  holy  religion  is 
expressed  in  this  parable  ? 

The  necessity  of  actual  grace  for  the  conversion  of 
the  sinner  is  expressed  in  this  parable — the  antecedent 
grace  which  calls  him  to  the  true  path,  concomitant 
grace  which  assists  him  to  keep  to  the  true  path,  and 
subsequent  grace  which  follows  him  to  the  end. 

How  many  kinds  of  grace  are  there  ? 

There  are  two  kinds,  actual  grace  and  sanctifying 
grace. 

What  is  sanctifying  grace? 

Sanctifying  grace  is  that  quality  of  the  soul  which 
makes  it  pleasing  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  always  to  heed  the  call 
of  God’s  grace. 


The  Parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son. 


373 


XLIX.  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  PRODIGAL 

SOX. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son. 

What  does  Jesus  describe  in  this  parable? 

He  describes:  (1),  The  sinner’s  separation  from 
God;  (2),  His  return  to  God;  (3),  His  reception  by  God. 

Who  is  the  father  in  the  parable? 

The  father  is  God. 

Who  is  the  first-born  son? 

The  first-born  son  is  the  just  man. 

Who  is  the  younger  son? 

The  younger  son  is  the  sinner. 

Why  did  the  prodigal  leave  his  father’s  house? 

He  thought  he  would  enjoy  himself  better  away 
from  home  in  a  strange  country. 

What  is  meant  here  by  the  “  strange  country  ”  ? 

Every  mortal  sin  is  the  “  strange  country/’  because 
it  separates  us  from  the  home  of  our  heavenly  Father. 

What  happened  to  the  prodigal  in  the  strange 
country  ? 

He  spent  all  his  money. 

What  does  the  sinner  lose  ? 

He  loses  sanctifying  grace. 

Is  the  prodigal  happy  in  the  strange  country? 

Xo;  on  the  contrary  he  is  very  unhappy. 

Why  is  the  sinner  unhappy  ? 

He  is  unhappy  because  his  conscience  gives  him  no 
rest  and  he  has  become  separated  from  God,  the  source 
of  all  true  happiness. 


374 


The  New  Testament. 


What  was  the  beginning  of  the  prodigal’s  return? 

He  recognized  his  miserable  condition  and  trusted 
in  the  love  of  his  father. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  recognized  his  condition? 

We  know  this  because  we  read  that  he  entered  into 
himself  and  said:  “  How  many  hired  servants  in  my 
father’s  house  have  plenty  of  bread,  and  I  here  perish 
with  hunger.” 

What  did  he  do  after  he  realized  his  miserable  con¬ 
dition  ? 

After  he  realized  his  condition  he  began  to  be  sorry 
for  what  he  had  done. 

Was  his  sorrow  genuine? 

Yes,  his  sorrow  was  genuine,  for  he  made  up  his 
mind  to  return  to  his  father’s  house. 

Whence  do  we  learn  of  his  resolution? 

We  learn  of  his  resolution  from  his  own  words.  He 
says:  “  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  father.” 

So  what  is  necessary  for  the  sinner  in  order  to  be 
converted  to  God? 

It  is  necessary:  (1),  That  he  should  know  his  condi¬ 
tion;  (2),  That  he  should  trust  in  God’s  mercy. 

How  does  the  sinner  learn  his  condition? 

The  sinner  learns  his  condition  by  making  an  ex¬ 
amination  of  conscience. 

What  do  we  mean  by  making  an  examination  of 
conscience? 

By  making  an  examination  of  conscience  we  mean 
trying  to  find  out  the  sins  one  has  committed  since  he 
left  God. 

How  should  we  begin  to  examine  our  conscience? 

We  should  begin  our  examination  of  conscience  by 


375 


The  Parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son. 

praying  to  God  for  light  to  know  onr  sins  and  grace  to 
be  sorry  for  them. 

Mention  an  easy  way  of  making  an  examination  of 
conscience. 

An  easy  way  of  making  an  examination  of  con¬ 
science  is  by  going  through  the  Commandments  and 
trying  to  find  out  whether  we  have  sinned  against  them 
and  how  often  we  have  done  so. 

What  should  the  sinner  do  after  having  found  out 
the  sins  he  has  committed  ? 

Having  found  out  his  sins,  the  sinner  should  ask 
God’s  pardon  for  them  by  making  an  act  of  contrition. 

Which  are  the  qualities  of  contrition? 

The  qualities  of  contrition  are  four:  it  must  be 
interior,  supernatural,  universal,  and  sovereign. 

What  does  an  act  of  contrition  include  ? 

It  includes  a  firm  purpose  of  amendment. 

What  is  a  firm  purpose  of  amendment? 

A  firm  purpose  of  amendment  is  a  fixed  resolve  not 
only  to  avoid  sin  but  also  the  occasion  of  sin. 

What  follows  the  examination  and  the  act  of  con¬ 
trition  ? 

Confession  follows. 

Why  must  we  confess  our  sins? 

We  must  confess  our  sins  because  Christ  has  or¬ 
dained  it. 

Did  the  prodigal  son  confess  his  sins? 

Yes,  for  he  said:  “  Father,  I  have  sinned  against 
heaven  and  before  thee.” 

How  did  his  father  receive  him  ? 

His  father  went  forth  to  meet  him,  gave  him  a 
robe,  put  a  ring  on  his  hand  and  shoes  on  his  feet,  and 
prepared  a  great  feast  for  him. 


The  New  Testament. 


376 

How  does  God  receive  the  sinner? 

He  goes  forth  to  meet  him  with  His  actual  ante¬ 
cedent  grace. 

Does  He  give  the  sinner  a  robe? 

Yes,  God  gives  the  sinner  the  robe  of  sanctifying 
grace. 

Does  He  give  the  sinner  a  ring? 

Yes,  God  gives  the  sinner  a  ring  when  He  speaks 
through  the  priest  the  words  of  absolution,  a  sign  that 
he  is  a  child  of  God. 

Does  He  give  the  sinner  shoes? 

Yes,  God  gives  the  sinner  shoes  when  He  provides 
him  with  grace  to  walk  in  the  path  of  virtue. 

What  is  the  feast  which  He  prepares  for  the  sinner? 

The  feast  which  God  prepares  for  the  sinner  is  holy 
communion. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  turn  to  God  by  a  good 
confession,  if  ever  we  should  have  the  misfortune  of 
falling  into  mortal  sin. 

L.  THE  PARABLE  OF  DIVES  AND  LAZARUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  Dives  and  Lazarus. 

What  did  the  two  preceding  parables  show  us? 

They  showed  us  the  mercy  of  God. 

What  does  the  parable  of  Dives  and  Lazarus  show 
us? 

It  shows  us  God’s  justice. 

How  does  God  show  His  justice  in  this  parable? 

God  shows  His  justice  by  rewarding  Lazarus,  who 


377 


The  Parable  of  Dives  and  Lazarus. 

suffered  in  this  life,  and  punished  Dives,  who  enjoyed 
himself. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  “  God  is  just  ”  ? 

When  we  say  that  “  God  is  just  ”  we  mean  that  He 
rewards  all  good  and  punishes  all  evil  deeds  just  as 
they  deserve. 

Why  did  Lazarus  receive  a  reward? 

Lazarus  received  a  reward  because  he  was  patient 
and  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 

What  was  his  reward? 

His  reward  was  heaven. 

Why  was  Dives  punished? 

Dives  was  punished  because  by  indulging  in  the 
pleasures  of  the  world  he  forgot  to  serve  his  God. 

How  do  we  know  that  Dives  forgot  to  serve  God? 

We  know  that  he  forgot  to  serve  God  because  he 
was  proud,  uncharitable,  and  sensual. 

How  do  we  know  that  Dives  was  proud  and 
haughty  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  proud  and  haughty  because 
he  permitted  a  human  being,  having  a  soul  like  himself, 
to  lie  at  his  door  while  he  dined  sumptuously  within. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  most  uncharitable 
and  hard-hearted? 

We  know  that  he  was  most  uncharitable  and  hard¬ 
hearted  because  he  denied  the  starving  Lazarus  the 
crumbs  which  he  gave  his  dogs. 

How  was  Dives  punished  ? 

He  was  cast  into  hell. 

In  what  do  the  pains  of  hell  consist? 

The  pains  of  hell  are  two-fold:  the  pain  of  the 
senses  and  the  pain  of  loss. 


378 


The  New  Testament . 


In  what  does  the  pain  of  “loss”  consist? 

The  pain  of  “  loss  ”  consists  in  the  loss  of  the  sight 
of  God. 

In  what  does  the  pain  of  the  “  senses  ”  consist? 

The  pain  of  the  “  senses  ”  consists  in  the  suffering 
which  is  caused  by  the  fire. 

What  should  we  learn  from  Lazarus? 

We  should  learn  from  him  to  bear  poverty  with 
patience  and  resignation,  trusting  in  God  to  reward  us 
in  the  life  to  come. 

What  should  we  learn  from  the  punishment  of 
Dives? 

We  should  learn  from  his  punishment  to  be 
charitable,  and  to  lead  lives  of  self-denial. 

LI.  JESUS  GIVES  SIGHT  TO  THE  MAN  BORN 

BLIND. 


What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  cured  a  man  who  was  born 
blind. 

Does  this  biblical  event  contain  a  new  proof  of 
Christ’s  divinity? 

Yes,  because:  (1),  It  is  a  miracle;  and  (2),  Christ 
Himself  said  to  the  blind  man  He  had  cured,  “  He  who 
talketh  with  thee  is  the  Son  of  God.” 

What  prophecy  was  fulfilled  by  this  miracle  ? 

The  prophecy  of  Isaias  was  fulfilled  by  this 
miracle:  “  The  blind  see,  the  deaf  hear,  the  lame 
walk,”  etc. 

Did  the  Pharisees  believe  in  the  miracles  of  Jesus? 

No,  the  Pharisees  did  not  believe. 


Jesus  Gives  Sight  to  the  Man  Born  Blind.  379 

Why  did  they  not  believe  that  Jesus  was  the  prom¬ 
ised  Messias? 

They  did  not  believe:  (1),  Because  they  thought  the 
Messias  would  be  a  powerful  temporal  prince,  and 
Jesus  was  poor;  (2),  Because  Jesus  censured  them 
publicly  for  their  hypocrisy. 

What  did  the  Pharisees  do  when  they  refused  to 
believe  in  Jesus? 

When  the  Pharisees  refused  to  believe  in  Jesus  they 
resisted  the  grace  of  God. 

Can  we  resist  the  grace  of  God? 

Yes,  we  can  resist  the  grace  of  God,  because  we  are 
free. 

Did  the  blind  man  believe  in  Jesus? 

Yes,  and  as  a  reward  for  his  faith  his  sight  was 
restored. 

What  was  the  special  quality  of  the  faith  of  the 
blind  man? 

His  faith  was  constant. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  that  his  faith  was  constant  because  he 
persevered  in  his  faith  in  spite  of  the  persecutions  of 
the  Pharisees  who  reviled  him,  and  cast  him  out  of  the 
synagogue. 

Which  are  the  qualities  of  faith  ? 

The  qualities  of  faith  are  four:  It  is  universal,  firm, 
constant,  and  lively. 

When  is  our  faith  universal? 

Our  faith  is  universal  when  we  believe  all  that  God 
has  revealed. 


380 


The  New  Testament . 


When  is  our  faith  firm? 

Our  faith  is  firm  when  we  believe  without  the  least 
doubt. 

When  is  our  faith  constant? 

Our  faith  is  constant  when  we  are  ready  to  suffer 
everything,  even  death  itself,  rather  than  renounce  our 
faith. 

When  is  our  faith  lively? 

Our  faith  is  lively  when  we  live  up  to  it. 

Mention  some  who  were  constant  in  their  faith. 

The  martyrs  were  constant  in  their  faith. 

Did  Jesus  make  use  of  an  outward  sign  when  He 
healed  the  blind  man? 

Yes,  He  spat  on  the  ground,  made  clay  of  the 
spittle,  and  rubbed  the  clay  on  the  eyes  of  the  blind 
man. 

Was  this  a  figure  of  anything? 

Yes,  it  was  a  figure  of  the  sacraments,  which  are 
outward  signs  that  give  grace. 

What  is  a  sacrament? 

A  sacrament  is  an  outward  sign  instituted  by  Christ 
to  give  grace. 

How  many  things  are  necessary  to  make  a  sacra¬ 
ment? 

Three  things  are  necessary  to  make  a  sacrament: 
(1),  An  outward  sign;  (2),  Institution  by  Christ;  (3), 
Grace. 

How  are  the  sacraments  divided? 

The  sacraments  are  divided  into  two  classes:  sacra¬ 
ments  of  the  living  and  sacraments  of  the  dead. 

Which  are  the  sacraments  of  the  dead? 

The  sacraments  of  the  dead  are  Baptism  and 
Penance. 


The  ‘  6  Our  Father.  ’ 5 


381 


Why  are  they  called  sacraments  of  the  dead? 

They  are  called  sacraments  of  the  dead  because  the 
soul  is  spiritually  dead  when  they  are  received. 

What  do  we  mean  by  spiritually  dead  ? 

By  spiritually  dead  we  mean  that  the  soul  is  de¬ 
prived  of  the  life  of  grace. 

Which  are  the  sacraments  of  the  living? 

The  sacraments  of  the  living  are  Confirmation, 
Holy  Eucharist,  Extreme  Unction,  Holy  Orders,  and 
Matrimony. 

Why  are  they  called  sacraments  of  the  living? 

They  are  called  sacraments  of  the  living  because, 
in  order  to  receive  them  worthily,  the  soul  must  be 
living  the  life  of  grace. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  careful  not  to  offend 
God  with  our  eyes. 


LII.  THE  “  OUR  FATHER.” 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  taught  His  Apostles  the  “  Our 
Father.” 

Has  this  prayer  another  name? 

Yes,  it  is  also  called  the  Lord’s  Prayer. 

Of  what  does  the  Lord’s  Prayer  consist? 

It  consists  of  an  address  to  God  and  seven  petitions. 

How  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  with  attention,  with  confidence, 
with  humility,  with  resignation  to  the  will  of  God,  and 
with  perseverance. 


382 


The  New  Testament. 


Can  you  mention  some  who  prayed  with  persever¬ 
ance? 

Elizabeth  and  Zachary,  and  the  woman  of  Chanaan, 
prayed  with  perseverance. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  say  our  morning  and 
night  prayers  regularly. 

LIII.  THE  PARABLE  OF  TIIE  RICH  MAH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  rich  man  who  died 
while  he  was  planning  to  acquire  more  wealth. 

What  does  Our  Lord  teach  us  in  this  parable? 

He  warns  us  against  the  sin  of  avarice,  and  ad¬ 
monishes  us  to  lay  up  riches  that  will  last  for  all 
eternity. 

How  does  Our  Lord  warn  us  against  avarice? 

He  warns  us  against  avarice  in  the  following  words: 
“  Take  heed  and  beware  of  all  covetousness.” 

How  do  we  sin  by  avarice  ? 

We  sin  by  avarice  when  we  become  too  attached 
to  the  things  of  this  world. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  avarice  belong? 

Avarice  is  one  of  the  seven  capital  sins. 

Which  are  the  seven  capital  sins  ? 

Pride,  Covetousness,  Lust,  Anger,  Gluttony,  Envy, 
and  Sloth. 

Why  should  we  lay  up  riches  for  eternity  ? 

We  should  lay  up  riches  for  eternity  because  they 
will  last  forever  in  heaven. 

What  do  we  call  those  works  that  merit  heaven? 

Works  that  merit  heaven  we  call  meritorious. 


The  Barren  Fig-tree. 


383 


Why  does  Christ  warn  us  against  riches  ? 

Christ  warns  us  against  riches  because  it  is  harder 
for  a  rich  man  to  save  his  soul  than  a  poor  man,  as 
most  men  do  not  use  riches  properly. 

Why  should  we  not  allow  our  heart  to  become 
attached  to  riches  ? 

We  should  not  allow  our  heart  to  become  attached 
to  riches  because  they  soon  pass  away,  and  can  never 
make  us  happy. 

How  does  the  parable  teach  us  this  truth  ? 

The  rich  man  planned  to  build  many  barns,  as  he 
expected  to  have  large  crops,  grow  rich,  and  live  a  long 
time  to  enjoy  his  riches.  But  the  very  night  he 
planned  to  build  new  barns  he  died. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  detach  our  heart  from 
the  things  of  this  world. 

LIY.  THE  BARREN  FIG-TREE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  story  of  the  barren  fig-tree. 

Who  is  the  owner  of  the  fig-tree  and  the  vineyard  ? 

The  owner  is  almighty  God. 

Who  is  the  vineyard? 

The  vineyard,  in  the  Old  Testament,  is  the  syna¬ 
gogue;  in  the  New  Testament  it  is  the  Catholic 
Church. 

Who  is  the  fig-tree? 

The  fig-tree  in  the  Old  Testament  was  every  Jew; 
in  the  New  Testament  it  is  every  Christian. 

How  long  did  the  owner  wait  for  fruit  ? 

He  waited  in  vain  for  three  years. 


384 


The  New  Testament. 


What  is  the  meaning  of  the  three  years  in  the  Old 
Testament  ? 

The  first  year  is  the  time  from  Abraham  to  Moses, 
the  second  from  Moses  to  the  prophets,  the  third  from 
the  prophets  to  Christ. 

Did  the  Jews  bring  forth  fruits  of  penance? 

Xo,  they  remained  stubborn  and  would  not  be  con¬ 
verted. 

Did  the  master  of  the  vineyard  wish  the  fig-tree  to 
bear  fruit? 

Yes,  he  wished  it  to  bear  fruit. 

Does  God  give  every  one  sufficient  grace  to  be 
saved? 

Yes,  God  gives  every  one  sufficient  grace  to  be 
saved. 

Does  every  one  bring  forth  fruits  of  penance? 

Xo,  many  do  not  bring  forth  fruits  of  penance 
because  they  resist  God’s  grace. 

Does  God  punish  at  once  every  one  who  resists  His 
grace  ? 

Xo,  He  often  waits  many  years  before  He  punishes 
him. 

What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  that  God  is  patient  and  long-suffering. 

How  is  the  patience  and  long-suffering  of  God 
expressed  in  this  parable? 

The  vine  dresser  said  to  the  master:  “  Sir,  let  it 
alone  this  year  also,  until  I  dig  about  it  and  manure 
it,  if  so  happily  it  bear  fruit.” 

What  would  happen  if  the  tree  did  not  bear  fruit 
after  a  year? 

It  would  be  cut  down. 


The  Ten  Lepers. 


385 


What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  that  if  we  resist  the  grace  of  God  for 
a  long  time  He  will  finally  punish  us. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  learn  from  it  that  God  is  long-suffering  and 
merciful. 

LY.  THE  TEN  LEPERS. 

What  does. this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  cured  ten  lepers  and  that  only 
one  returned  to  thank  Him. 

Why  did  the  lepers  have  to  stand  afar  off? 

The  lepers  had  to  stand  afar  off  because,  according 
to  the  Jewish  Law,  a  leper  was  obliged  to  live  secluded 
from  the  rest  of  the  people. 

What  did  they  say  when  Our  Lord  approached 
them? 

When  Our  Lord  approached  them  they  cried  out: 
“  Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us.” 

What  did  they  show  by  these  words  ? 

They  showed  that  they  believed  that  Jesus  is  God, 
and  would  help  them. 

Were  their  faith  and  confidence  rewarded? 

Yes,  because  Jesus  healed  them  of  their  leprosy. 

Were  they  all  grateful  for  this  favor? 

No;  only  one  returned  to  thank  Jesus. 

Of  what  is  leprosy  a  figure? 

Leprosy  is  a  figure  of  sin. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  words,  “  Go  show  thy¬ 
self  to  the  priest  ”  ? 

The  Jewish  Law  required  the  cured  leper  to  appear 
before  the  priest,  who  would  certify  to  his  cure  and 
admit  him  again  into  society. 


386 


The  New  Testament. 


May  these  words  be  applied  to  any  rite  in  the  New 
Testament  ? 

Yes,  they  may  be  applied  to  confession. 

What  must  we  do  to  be  cured  of  the  leprosy  of  sin  ? 

To  be  cured  of  the  leprosy  of  sin  we  must  show 
ourselves  to  the  priest,  that  is,  we  must  go  to  con¬ 
fession. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  grateful  to  God  for 
having  forgiven  our  sins. 

LVI.  THE  PHARISEE  AND  THE  PUBLICAN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  the  Pharisee  and  publican  prayed  in 
the  Temple. 

How  many  sins  did  the  Pharisee  commit? 

He  committed  the  sins  of  pride  and  rash  judgment. 

How  do  we  sin  by  pride? 

We  sin  by  pride  when  we  attribute  to  ourselves  what 
is  due  God,  and  when  we  despise  our  neighbor  because 
we  consider  ourselves  better  than  he. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Pharisee  was  guilty  of 
pride  ? 

We  know  that  he  was  guilty  of  pride  because  he 
despised  the  publican  and  said:  “  Lord,  I  thank  Thee 
that  I  am  not  like  other  men.” 

How  do  we  know  that  he  attributed  to  himself 
what  belonged  to  God? 

We  know  that  he  attributed  to  himself  what  be¬ 
longed  to  God  because  he  thought  himself  perfect  and 
did  not  consider  it  necessary  to  pray  to  God  for  help. 


The  Pharisee  and  the  Publican. 


387 


How  do  we  know  that  he  despised  his  neighbor  ? 

We  know  that  he  despised  his  neighbor  because  he 
considered  every  one  hut  himself  a  sinner. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  was  guilty  of  rash  judg¬ 
ment? 

We  know  that  he  was  guilty  of  rash  judgment  be¬ 
cause  he  believed;,  without  sufficient  reason,  that  the 
publican  was  a  sinner. 

Did  the  good  works  of  the  Pharisee  have  no  value 
in  the  sight  of  God? 

No,  they  had  no  value  in  the  sight  of  God  because 
he  had  a  had  intention. 

Why  was  his  intention  bad? 

His  intention  was  had  because  he  sought  his  own 
glory  and  not  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Which  virtues  do  we  find  in  the  publican  ? 

We  find  in  the  publican  two  virtues:  Humility  and 
a  spirit  of  penance. 

How  did  he  show  that  he  was  humble  ? 

He  showed  that  he  was  humble  by  acknowledging 
his  sin  and  begging  God’s  mercy;  he  said:  “  Lord, 
have  mercy  on  me,  a  sinner.” 

To  what  class  of  virtues  does  humility  belong? 

Humility  belongs  to  the  moral  virtues. 

Name  the  moral  virtues  that  are  opposed  to  the 
seven  capital  sins. 

They  are:  Humility,  Liberality,  Chastity,  Meekness, 
Temperance,  Joy,  and  Zeal. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  he  humble,  and  always 
to  remember  that  it  is  only  God’s  grace  which  keeps  us 
from  committing  more  and  greater  sins. 


388 


The  New  Testament. 


LV1I.  JESUS  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  THE  DEDI¬ 
CATION  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  Jesus  said  at  the  Feast  of  the  Dedi¬ 
cation  of  the  Temple. 

When  was  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  the  Tem¬ 
ple  celebrated? 

It  was  celebrated  in  December. 

Why  is  the  presence  of  Jesus  on  this  occasion  of 
great  importance? 

It  is  of  great  importance  because  Jesus  revealed 
His  divinity  on  this  occasion. 

How  did  Jesus  reveal  His  divinity? 

He  revealed  His  divinity  to  the  Jews  when  He  said: 
“  I  and  the  Father  are  one.” 

How  could  Jesus  say  that  He  and  the  Father  are 
one  ? 

He  could  say  this  because  He  and  the  Father  are 
one  and  the  same  nature  and  essence. 

How  many  persons  are  there  in  God? 

In  God  there  are  three  divine  persons. 

How  many  natures  are  there  in  God? 

In  God  there  is  but  one  nature. 

What  do  we  mean  when  we  say  that  there  are  three 
persons  in  God? 

When  we  say  that  there  are  three  persons  in  God 
we  mean  that  in  God  there  are  three  separate  and  dis¬ 
tinct  beings  who  have  one  and  the  same  nature,  that 
is,  who  have  one  and  the  same  intellect  and  will. 

Why  are  the  three  persons  only  one  God? 

The  three  persons  are  only  one  God  because  they 
have  one  and  the  same  nature. 


The  Rich  Young  Man.  389 

Can  we  thoroughly  understand  the  doctrine  of  the 
Holy  Trinity? 

No,  we  cannot  thoroughly  understand  the  doctrine 
of  the  Holy  Trinity  because  it  is  a  mystery. 

But  is  not  this  mystery  unreasonable,  because  we 
say  that  three  are  one? 

The  mystery  of  the  Holy  Trinity  is  not  unreason¬ 
able  for  we  do  not  say  three  persons  are  one  person,  hut 
we  say  that  three  different  persons  have  one  and  the  same 
divine  nature. 

Did  the  Jews  believe  Jesus  when  He  said  that  He 
was  God? 

No,  they  picked  up  stones  to  stone  Him. 

Did  Jesus  take  back  what  He  had  said  ? 

No,  He  repeated  it  and  referred  to  His  miracles  as 
a  proof  of  His  divinity. 

Were  the  Jews  finally  convinced? 

No,  they  tried  to  seize  Christ,  but  He  escaped  from 
their  hands. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  our  holy  faith,  and 
to  believe  firmly  all  that  God  has  revealed. 

LYIII.  THE  RICH  YOUNG  MAN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  Jesus  said  to  the  rich  young  man 
who  asked  what  he  had  to  do  to  be  saved. 

What  important  doctrine  of  the  Catholic  Church  is 
expressed  in  this  lesson? 

The  doctrine  that  faith  alone  will  not  save  us,  but 
that  good  works  are  also  necessary,  is  expressed  in  this 
lesson. 


d90 


The  New  Testament. 


How  did  Jesus  express  this  doctrine? 

lie  said  to  the  young  man:  “  If  thou  wilt  enter  into 
life,  keep  the  Commandments.” 

Which  Commandments  did  Jesus  mention? 

He  mentioned  the  Commandments  that  refer  to 
our  neighbor  and  which  were  on  the  second  tablet. 

Why  does  Jesus  mention  these  Commandments  and 
not  the  Commandments  of  God? 

Jesus  mentions  these  Commandments  because  as 
St.  John  says:  How  can  any  one  love  God,  whom  he 
does  not  see,  if  he  does  not  love  the  neighbor  whom  he 
sees?  Besides  it  is  easier  to  pretend  to  love  God  than 
one’s  neighbor. 

Is  it  enough  to  believe? 

No,  it  is  not  enough  to  believe;  we  must  live  up  to 
our  belief. 

What  is  our  faith  called  when  we  live  up  to  it? 

When  we  live  up  to  our  faith  it  is  called  lively. 

Was  the  young  man  satisfied  with  Our  Lord’s 
answer  ? 

No,  he  wanted  to  do  more  than  keep  the  Command¬ 
ments:  he  wanted  to  be  perfect. 

In  what  does  Christian  perfection  consist? 

Christian  perfection  consists  in  being  free  from  all 
inordinate  love  of  self  and  the  world;  in  loving  all 
things  in  God,  and  God  above  all  things. 

What  means  should  we  employ  to  attain  perfection  ? 

To  attain  perfection  we  must  observe  the  three 
evangelical  counsels. 

Name  them. 

The  three  evangelical  counsels  are  perfect  obedi¬ 
ence,  voluntary  poverty,  and  perpetual  chastity. 


The  Laborers  in  the  Vineyard . 


391 


What  advice  did  Jesus  give  the  young  man  when 
he  expressed  a  wish  to  be  perfect  ? 

Jesus  said  to  him:  “  If  thou  wilt  he  perfect,  go  sell 
what  thou  hast  and  give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shaft 
have  treasure  in  heaven;  and  come  follow  Me.” 

Did  the  young  man  follow  the  advice  of  Jesus? 

No,  he  went  away  sad. 

Why  did  he  go  away  sad? 

He  went  away  sad  because  he  was  very  rich  and  did 
not  want  to  give  up  all  his  wealth. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  that  riches  very  often  turn 
men's  hearts  from  God,  and  consequently  are  very 
dangerous. 

LIX.  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  LABORERS  IN 

THE  VINEYARD. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard. 

Who  is  the  master  of  a  family  in  the  parable  ? 

The  master  of  a  family  is  God. 

Who  is  the  vineyard  ? 

The  vineyard  is  the  kingdom  of  God  on  earth,  the 
Catholic  Church. 

What  is  the  market? 

The  market  is  the  world. 

Who  are  the  laborers  ? 

The  laborers  are  all  mankind. 

What  is  the  day’s  labor  ? 

The  day’s  labor  is  the  life  of  man  on  earth. 

What  is  the  penny  ? 

The  penny  is  the  eternal  reward  in  heaven. 


392 


The  New  Testament. 


When  does  God  call  men  into  His  vineyard? 

At  every  period  of  life,  even  at  the  very  last 
moment,  God  calls  men  into  His  vineyard. 

When  are  the  laborers  paid  ? 

They  are  paid  at  the  close  of  the  day,  that  is,  after 
death. 

How  are  they  paid? 

Every  one,  even  the  sinner  who  enters  the  vineyard 
at  the  last  moment,  and  works  faithfully  to  the  end, 
receives  an  eternal  reward. 

What  does  this  parable  show? 

It  shows  that  God  is  ready  to  receive  the  sinner 
even  at  the  last  moment  if  he  is  truly  sorry  for  his  sins. 

What  may  the  contrite  sinner  expect  from  God? 

The  contrite  sinner  may  expect  from  God  two 
things:  forgiveness  of  his  sins,  and  an  eternal  reward. 

What  must  the  sinner  do  to  obtain  the  eternal 
reward? 

To  obtain  the  eternal  reward  he  must  work  faith¬ 
fully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord — that  is,  he  must 
co-operate  with  the  grace  of  God. 

Are  all  invited  to  work  in  the  vineyard  ? 

Yes,  all  are  invited. 

Why  is  it,  then,  that  all  do  not  receive  a  reward  ? 

All  do  not  receive  a  reward  because  some  do  not 
accept  the  invitation. 

What  sin  did  the  early  laborers  commit  ? 

They  committed  the  sin  of  envy. 

How  did  they  sin  by  envy? 

They  sinned  by  envy  because  they  were  sad  when 
they  saw  that  the  late  laborers  received  as  much  as  they. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  envy  belong? 

Envy  belongs  to  the  seven  capital  sins. 


The  Raising  of  Lazarus  from  tlie  Dead.  393 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  never  to  despair  of  God's 
mercy. 

LX.  THE  RAISING  OF  LAZARUS  FROM  THE 

DEAD. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  raised  Lazarus  from  the  dead. 

Why  is  this  lesson  of  great  importance  ? 

It  is  of  great  importance  because  it  is  an  infallible 
proof  that  Jesus  is  God. 

How  is  it  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of  Jesus? 

It  is  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of  Jesus  because  He 
speaks  and  acts  as  God. 

How  does  He  speak  as  God? 

He  speaks  as  God:  (1),  When  He  calls  Himself 
the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Author  of  the  Resurrection; 
(2),  When  He  calls  God  His  Father. 

When  does  He  call  Himself  the  Son  of  God  ? 

He  calls  Himself  the  Son  of  God  when  He  says: 
“  This  sickness  is  not  unto  death,  hut  for  the  glory  of 
God,  that  the  Son  of  God  may  be  glorified  by  it.” 

When  does  He  call  Himself  the  Author  of  the 
Resurrection  ? 

He  calls  Himself  the  Author  of  the  Resurrection 
when  He  says:  “  I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life  A 

When  will  we  arise  from  the  dead? 

We  will  all  arise  from  the  dead  on  the  last  day. 

Will  all  men  arise  ? 

Yes,  the  had  as  well  as  the  good  will  rise  again. 

Will  the  bodies  of  all  be  alike? 

No,  the  bodies  of  the  just  will  be  beautiful,  while 
the  bodies  of  the  wicked  will  be  ugly. 


394 


The  New  Testament. 


Which  article  of  the  Creed  contains  this  truth? 

The  eleventh  article  contains  this  truth. 

How  does  the  eleventh  article  of  the  Creed  read? 

The  eleventh  article  of  the  Creed  is  as  follows:  “I 
believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  body.” 

How  does  Jesus  act  as  God  in  this  lesson? 

He  acts  as  God:  (1),  When  He  approves  of  Martha’s 
declaration  of  His  divinity;  (2),  When  He  shows  that 
He  knows  all  things;  (3),  When  He  raises  Lazarus  from 
the  dead. 

When  did  Martha  profess  her  belief  in  the  divinity 
of  Christ? 

Martha  professed  her  belief  in  the  divinity  of 
Christ  when  she  said:  “  Yea,  Lord,  I  have  believed  that 
Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God,  who  art 
come  into  this  world.” 

How  did  Jesus  show  that  He  knows  all  things? 

He  showed  that  He  knows  all  things  because  He 
knew  of  the  death  of  Lazarus  before  any  one  had  told 
Him. 

What  did  Jesus  say  when  He  raised  Lazarus  to  life? 

When  Jesus  raised  Lazarus  to  life  He  said: 
u  Lazarus,  come  forth.” 

Why  did  Jesus  perform  this  miracle? 

Jesus  performed  this  miracle:  (1),  To  strengthen 
the  faith  of  His  Apostles  for  the  time  of  His  bitter 
Passion;  (2),  That  His  Apostles  might  hope  for  His 
Resurrection  while  His  body  lay  in  the  grave. 

What  impression  did  the  miracle  make  on  those 
who  witnessed  it? 

Some  profited  by  it  and  believed,  others  refused  to 
believe  and  became  more  hardened. 

What  sin  did  the  latter  commit  ? 

They  committed  a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 


Jesus  Foretells  His  Passion  and  Death .  395 


What  was  their  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

It  was  resistance  to  the  known  Christian  truth. 

How  many  have  we  already  mentioned  whom  Jesus 
raised  from  the  dead? 

We  have  already  mentioned  three  whom  Jesus 
raised  to  life:  The  daughter  of  Jairus,  the  son  of  the 
widow  of  Nairn,  and  Lazarus. 

How  soon  after  their  death  did  Jesus  raise  them  to 
life? 

He  raised  the  daughter  of  Jairus  to  life  imme¬ 
diately  after  her  death,  the  son  of  the  widow  while  the 
body  was  being  carried  to  the  grave^  and  Lazarus  after 
he  had  been  buried. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  daily  for  the  grace 
to  preserve  our  faith  to  the  end. 

LXI.  JESUS  FORETELLS  HIS  PASSION  AND 

DEATH.— ZACHEUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  Jesus  foretold  about  His  suffering 
and  death  and  what  He  said  to  Zacheus. 

How  did  the  Jews  regard  the  miracle  of  the  raising 
of  Lazarus  to  life  ? 

Some  of  the  Jews  believed  in  Jesus;  but  the  Phari¬ 
sees  hated  Him  more  than  ever,  for  they  saw  that  He 
was  gaining  followers  among  the  people. 

How  did  the  Pharisees’  hatred  for  Jesus  manifest 
itself  ? 

They  decided  to  put  Him  to  death. 

What  did  Jesus  do? 

He  retired  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  desert  where, 
six  days  afterwards,  He  foretold  His  Passion  and  death. 


396 


The  New  Testament . 


Lid  He  foretell  His  Passion  in  detail? 

Yes,  He  foretold  that  He  would  be  mocked,  spat 
upon,  scourged,  and  finally  put  to  death;  but  that  He 
would  rise  again  on  the  third  day. 

What  were  His  words  ? 

He  said:  “  They  shall  condemn  the  Son  of  man  to 
death  and  shall  deliver  Him  to  the  Gentiles.  And  they 
shall  mock  Him,  and  spit  on  Him,  and  scourge  Him, 
and  kill  Him;  and  the  third  day  He  shall  rise  again.” 

Were  His  predictions  fulfilled? 

Yes;  they  were  fulfilled  to  the  slightest  detail. 

What  follows  from  this  ? 

It  follows:  (1),  That  Jesus  knows  all  things  and 
consequently  is  God;  (2),  That  His  Passion  was  before 
His  mind. 

What  did  Christ  suffer? 

Christ  suffered  a  bloody  sweat,  cruel  scourging,  was 
crowned  with  thorns,  and  was  crucified. 

When  do  we  commemorate  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord? 

We  commemorate  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord  during 
Lent,  especially  during  Holy  Week. 

Whither  did  Jesus  go  after  the  six  days  had 
elapsed  ? 

After  the  six  days  had  elapsed  He  went  to  Jeru¬ 
salem. 

What  city  did  He  pass  on  His  way? 

On  His  way  He  passed  the  city  of  Jericho. 

What  happened  there? 

He  met  there  the  chief  of  the  publicans,  Zacheus. 

Which  were  the  chief  virtues  of  Zacheus  ? 

Humility  and  an  intense  longing  to  see  the  Re¬ 
deemer  were  the  chief  virtues  of  Zacheus. 


Jesus  Anointed  by  Alary, 


397 


Did  Jesus  reward  him  for  these  virtues? 

Yes,  He  entered  his  house  and  accorded  him  the 
grace  of  conversion. 

Did  Zacheus  co-operate  with  this  grace? 

Yes,  Zacheus  co-operated  with  the  grace,  for  his 
conversion  was  most  complete. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  that  his  conversion  was  complete  because 
he  gave  one-half  of  his  goods  to  the  poor,  and  was 
willing  to  restore  four-fold  whatever  he  might  have 
taken  unjustly. 

What  should  we  learn  from  Zacheus  ? 

We  should  learn  from  him  to  prepare  our  hearts  to 
receive  Jesus  into  our  house  in  holy  communion. 

LXII.  JESUS  ANOINTED  BY  MARY. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Mary  anointed  the  feet  of  Jesus;  and 
that  Jesus  rebuked  those  who  found  fault  with  her. 

Why  did  Mary  anoint  Jesus? 

Mary  anointed  Jesus  to  show  her  gratitude  to  Him 
for  having  raised  her  brother  Lazarus  from  the  dead. 

Why  did  she  take  a  very  precious  ointment  to 
anoint  Jesus? 

She  took  a  precious  ointment  to  anoint  Jesus 
because  to  her  mind  nothing  was  too  precious  for 
Him. 

Did  those  who  were  present  approve  of  her  act  ? 

No,  some  of  them  were  indignant  and  said:  “  For 
what  purpose  is  this  waste? ”  and  Judas  Iscariot  said: 
“  Why  was  not  this  ointment  sold  for  three  hundred 
pence  and  given  to  the  poor?  ” 


398 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  Judas  speak  thus? 

Judas  spoke  thus  because  he  loved  money. 

Which  was  the  characteristic  vice  of  Judas? 

Avarice  was  his  characteristic  vice. 

How  far  did  his  love  of  money  lead  him? 

His  love  of  money  led  him  to  betray  his  Master, 
Jesus  Christ. 

Did  Judas  suddenly  acquire  the  vice  of  avarice? 

No,  it  grew  on  him  gradually,  and  he  was  often 
warned  by  Our  Lord  of  its  danger. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  this  attack  on  Mary? 

He  took  her  part  and  foretold  that  her  act  of  love 
would  he  mentioned  wherever  the  Gospel  would  he 
preached. 

How  did  Jesus  foretell  that  Mary’s  act  would  be 
mentioned  wherever  the  Gospel  would  be  preached? 

Jesus  foretold  it  in  the  following  words:  “  Why  do 
you  trouble  this  woman?  for  she  hath  wrought  a  good 
work  upon  Me.  For  she  in  pouring  this  ointment  on 
My  body  hath  done  it  for  My  burial.  Amen  I  say  to 
you,  wheresoever  this  Gospel  shall  be  preached  in  the 
whole  world,  that  also  which  she  hath  done  shall  be 
told  for  a  memory  of  her.’’ 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  despise  the  opinion  of  the 
world,  when  we  know  that  we  have  Jesus’  approval. 

LXIII.  THE  TRIUMPHAL  ENTRY  OF  JESUS 

INTO  JERUSALEM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  triumphal  entry  of  Our  Lord  into 
J  erusalem. 


The  Triumphal  Entry  of  Jesus  into  Jerusalem.  399 

How  long  did  Jesus  remain  in  Bethany? 

He  remained  there  two  days,  Friday  and  Saturday. 

When  did  He  enter  Jerusalem? 

He  entered  Jerusalem  the  following  Sunday. 

What  place  did  He  pass  on  His  way? 

He  passed  through  Bethphage  on  His  way. 

Where  is  Bethphage  ? 

Bethphage  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  Jerusalem. 

What  happened  there  ? 

He  told  His  Apostles  to  go  into  the  village,  where 
they  would  find  an  ass  and  its  colt,  and  to  loosen  them 
and  bring  them  to  Him. 

Did  the  Apostles  carry  out  His  orders? 

Yes,  and  Jesus  made  His  triumphal  entry  into 
J  erusalem. 

Why  did  He  enter  publicly? 

He  entered  publicly  because  He  wanted  to  appear 
publicly  as  the  Messias. 

What  prophecy  was  fulfilled  by  this  event  ? 

By  this  event  the  prophecy  of  Zacharias  was  ful¬ 
filled:  “  Kejoice  greatly,  0  daughter  of  Sion,  shout  for 
joy,  0  daughter  of  Jerusalem:  Behold  the  King  will 
come  to  thee,  the  Just  and  Saviour:  He  is  poor  and 
riding  upon  an  ass  and  upon  a  colt,  the  foal  of  an  ass.” 

Why  did  Jesus  make  use  of  the  colt  of  an  ass? 

The  ass  is  a  figure  of  peace,  and  Jesus  wished  to 
enter  J  erusalem  as  the  Prince  of  peace. 

How  did  Jesus  show  on  this  occasion  that  He  knows 
all  things? 

He  showed  that  He  knows  all  things  because:  (1),  He 
told  His  Apostles  just  where  they  would  find  the  ass 
and  the  colt;  (2),  Because  He  foretold  the  destruction 
of  Jerusalem. 


400 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  Jesus  weep  when  He  saw  Jerusalem? 

He  wept  because:  (1),  He  foresaw  the  destruction 
of  a  people  He  loved;  (2),  On  account  of  the  eternal 
damnation  of  so  many  souls  which  He  had  come  to  save. 

Of  what  is  Jerusalem  a  figure? 

Jerusalem  is  a  figure  of  the  hardened  sinner. 

How  did  the  people  of  Jerusalem  receive  Jesus? 

They  received  Him  with  great  joy,  and  going  before 
Him,  they  strewed  the  way  with  palms  and  cried  out: 
“Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David!  ” 

Did  these  sentiments  last  long? 

No,  the  following  Friday  they  cried  out:  “  Crucify 
Him!  crucify  Him!  ” 

What  class  of  people  resemble  the  Jews  in  thin 
respect  ? 

All  those  who  receive  Our  Lord  in  holy  communion, 
and  a  few  days  after  drive  Him  out  of  their  hearts  by 
mortal  sin,  resemble  the  Jews. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  not  to  be  fickle  like  the 
J ews,  but  to  keep  our  good  resolutions. 

LXIY.  THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  MARRIAGE 

FEAST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parable  of  the  marriage  feast. 

What  does  Jesus  predict  in  this  parable? 

He  predicts  that  the  Jewish  people  will  prove  un¬ 
faithful  to  the  call  to  join  the  kingdom  of  the  Messias, 
and  consequently  will  be  punished  by  almighty  God. 

Who  is  the  king? 

The  king  is  God  the  Father. 


The  Parable  of  the  Marriage  Feast.  401 

Who  is  the  kings  son? 

The  Son  of  God,  Jesus  Christ,  is  the  king’s  son. 

Who  is  the  bride  of  the  king’s  son  ? 

The  bride  is  the  Catholic  Church. 

What  are  we  to  understand  by  the  marriage? 

The  marriage  is  the  spiritual  union  between  Christ 
and  His  Church. 

Who  are  invited  to  the  wedding  feast  ? 

The  following  are  invited  to  the  wedding  feast:  (1), 
All  who  are  called  to  the  true  faith;  and  (2),  All  man¬ 
kind,  because  all  receive  sufficient  grace  to  save  their 
souls;  (3),  The  Jewish  people. 

Who  invited  the  Jews  to  the  marriage  feast? 

The  prophets,  who  tried  to  prepare  them  by  pen¬ 
ance  for  the  coming  of  the  Messias,  invited  the  Jews. 

Did  the  Jews  accept  the  invitation? 

No,  they  did  not  accept  the  invitation. 

Who  invited  them  a  second  time  ? 

Our  Lord  Himself  and  His  Apostles  invited  them  a 
second  time. 

Did  they  accept  the  second  invitation? 

No,  they  did  not  accept  the  second  invitation. 

What  happened  then? 

Almighty  God  sent  the  Romans  to  punish, the  Jews 
for  their  infidelity. 

How  did  the  Romans  punish  the  Jews  ? 

They  killed  many  of  them  in  the  siege  of  Jerusa¬ 
lem,  took  their  city,  and  destroyed  their  temple. 

Who  were  called  after  the  Jews  had  refused  the 
invitation  ? 

After  the  Jews  had  refused  the  invitation  the 
Gentiles  were  called. 


402 


The  New  Testament . 


What  are  we  to  understand  by  the  marriage  feast? 

By  the  marriage  feast  we  are  to  understand  eternal 
happiness. 

Who  will  partake  of  this  marriage  feast? 

Only  those  who  have  the  wedding  garment  on  will 
partake  of  this  marriage  feast. 

What  is  the  wedding  garment? 

The  wedding  garment  is  sanctifying  grace. 

What  is  sanctifying  grace? 

Sanctifying  grace  is  that  quality  of  the  soul  which 
makes  it  holy  and  pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God. 

How  many  ways  can  we  lose  the  wedding  garment 
of  sanctifying  grace? 

We  can  lose  the  wedding  garment  only  one  way, 
by  committing  a  mortal  sin. 

What  is  the  greatest  evil  that  can  befall  us? 

The  greatest  evil  that  can  befall  us  is  mortal  sin. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  the  absolute  necessity  of 
sanctifying  grace  in  order  to  he  saved. 

LXY.  THE  COIN  OF  TRIBUTE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  asked 
Jesus  whether  it  was  lawful  for  the  Jews  to  pay  tribute 
to  Caesar. 

What  did  Jesus  answer? 

Jesus  answered:  “  Render  unto  Caesar  the  things 
that  are  Caesar’s,  and  to  God  the  things  that  are  God’s.” 

Were  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  sincere  in  their 
question  ? 

No,  they  wanted  to  ensnare  Our  Lord. 


The  Coin  of  Tribute. 


403 


How  did  they  expect  to  ensnare  Him  ? 

They  thought  He  would  answer,  it  is  lawful,  or  it 
is  unlawful.  If  He  said  it  was  lawful  they  would  tell 
the  Jewish  people  that  He  was  not  a  patriotic  Jew; 
if  He  said  it  was  unlawful  they  would  make  a  com¬ 
plaint  against  Him  to  the  Roman  authorities. 

Why  did  Jesus  give  this  answer? 

Jesus  gave  this  answer  to  show  the  Scribes  and 
Pharisees  that  they  could  not  entrap  Him,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  teach  the  necessity  of  obeying  temporal 
authority. 

Why  must  we  obey  temporal  authority  ? 

We  must  obey  temporal  authority  because  it  comes 
from  God. 

What  do  we  owe  almighty  God? 

We  owe  Him  worship. 

How  many  ways  may  we  worship  God? 

We  may  worship  God  two  ways,  interiorly  and 
exteriorly. 

How  do  we  worship  God  interiorly? 

We  worship  God  interiorly  by  faith,  hope,  and 
charity  and  by  every  kind  of  mental  prayer. 

How  do  we  worship  God  exteriorly? 

We  worship  God  exteriorly  by  sacrifice,  vocal 
prayer,  genuflections,  etc. 

What  is  the  highest  form  of  worship? 

The  highest  form  of  worship  is  sacrifice. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it'  the  necessity  of  obeying 
the  laws  of  our  country  and  of  God. 


404 


The  New  Testament. 


LXVI.  THE  WIDOW’S  MITE. —JESUS  FORE- 

TELLS  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  JERUSALEM 

AND  THE  END  OF  THE  WORLD. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  story  of  the  widow’s  mite,  and  that 
J esus  foretold  the  destruction  of  J erusalem  and  the  end 
of  the  world. 

How  much  did  the  widow  offer? 

She  offered  two.  small  coins  worth  about  a  penny. 

What  did  Jesus  think  of  her  offering? 

He  considered  it  more  meritorious  than  the  offering 
of  the  rich. 

Why  was  it  more  meritorious  ? 

It  was  more  meritorious  because  the  sacrifice  was 
greater.  It  was  harder  for  the  poor  widow  to  give  a 
little  than  it  was  for  the  rich  to  give  a  great  deal. 

What  does  God  consider  most  of  all  when  we  per¬ 
form  a  good  work? 

He  considers  most  of  all  our  intention. 

What  do  we  mean  by  a  good  intention  ? 

A  good  intention  is  a  desire  to  honor  and  glorify 
God  in  all  our  actions. 

Do  we  have  to  think  about  this  intention  before 
every  action  in  order  that  it  may  be  good? 

No,  it  is  not  necessary  as  long  as  we  are  in  the  state 
of  grace  and  have  not  a  bad  intention. 

But  is  it  advisable  to  make  a  good  intention  often? 

Yes,  it  is  advisable  to  make  it  at  our  morning 
prayers. 

If  our  intention  is  partly  good  and  partly  bad,  is 
the  work  of  no  merit? 

If  our  intention  is  partly  good  and  partly  bad  the 
merit  is  not  entirely  destroyed. 


Jesus  Foretells  the  Destruction  of  Jerusalem.  405 

How  did  Jesus  predict  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem? 

He  predicted  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  in  the 
following  words:  “  When  you  shall  see  Jerusalem  com¬ 
passed  about  with  an  army,,  then  know  that  the  desola¬ 
tion  thereof  is  at  hand.” 

When  was  this  prediction  fulfilled  ? 

This  prediction  was  fulfilled  in  the  year  70  a.d., 
when  the  city  of  Jerusalem  was  destroyed  hy  the 
Romans  under  Titus. 

Who  described  the  siege  and  destruction  of  Jeru¬ 
salem  ? 

A  Jewish  priest  named  Josephus  Flavius  described 
the  siege  and  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

What  does  the  fulfilment  of  the  prophecy  concern¬ 
ing  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  show? 

It  shows  that  the  second  prediction  concerning  the 
end  of  the  world  will  also  he  fulfilled. 

Do  we  know  when  the  end  of  the  world  will  come  ? 

Ho,  we  do  not  know,  hut  certain  signs  will  pre¬ 
cede  it. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  words  of  Jesus,  “Amen 
I  say  to  you,  that  this  generation  shall  not  pass  away 
until  all  things  be  done  ”  ? 

The  word  “  generation ”  refers  to  the  J ewish 
people,  who  will  last  till  the  end  of  the  world. 

What  follows  after  the  end  of  the  world? 

After  the  end  of  the  world  comes  the  General  Judg¬ 
ment. 

Is  there  another  judgment? 

Yes,  there  is  a  Particular  Judgment,  which  takes 
place  immediately  after  death. 


406  The  New  Testament. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  avoid  mortal  sin,  so  that 
we  may  rejoice  to  meet  God  when  He  comes  to  judge  us. 

LXVII.  THE  PARABLES  OF  THE  TEN  VIRGINS 

AND  THE  TALENTS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  parables  of  the  wise  and  foolish  virgins 
and  the  talents. 

What  warning  does  this  parable  contain? 

It  contains  the  warning  to  be  always  prepared  to 
meet  our  Judge. 

Who  are  the  ten  virgins  in  the  parable  ? 

The  ten  virgins  are  all  mankind. 

Who  is  the  bridegroom? 

The  bridegroom  is  Christ. 

What  is  the  marriage  feast? 

The  marriage  feast  is  eternal  happiness  in  heaven. 

When  will  the  bridegroom  arrive? 

The  bridegroom  will  arrive  when  He  comes  to 
judge  us. 

Who  are  the  wise  virgins? 

The  wise  virgins  are  all  those  who  have  not  only  the 
lamp  of  faith,  but  who  also  keep  it  supplied  with  the 
oil  of  good  works. 

■Will  faith  alone  save  us? 

No,  faith  without  good  works  is  dead. 

What  is  prudence? 

Prudence  is  that  virtue  which  inclines  us  to  under¬ 
stand  the  importance  of  saving  our  soul  and  to  use  the 
proper  means  to  attain  that  end. 


Parables  of  the  Ten  Virgins  and  the  Talents.  407 

To  what  class  of  virtues  does  prudence  belong? 

Prudence  is  one  of  the  cardinal  virtues. 

Mention  the  four  cardinal  virtues. 

The  cardinal  virtues  are  prudence,  justice,  forti¬ 
tude,  and  temperance. 

What  lesson  does  this  parable  teach  ? 

It  teaches  us  the  necessity  of  being  always  ready 
to  receive  Christ  when  He  comes  to  judge  us. 

Does  Jesus  warn  us  to  be  ready? 

Yes,  Jesus  warns  us  to  be  ready  when  He  says: 
“  Watch  ye,  therefore,  because  ye  know  not  the  day  or 
the  hour.” 

When  are  we  ready  to  receive  Christ  to  judge  us? 

We  are  ready  to  receive  Christ  only  when  we  are  in 
the  state  of  grace. 

Why  should  we  be  always  ready  to  appear  before 
the  judgment  seat  of  God? 

We  should  he  always  ready:  (1),  Because  we  know 
not  when  we  will  be  called  to  appear;  (2),  Because  the 
sentence  passed  then  will  never  be  changed. 

What  does  Jesus  teach  in  the  parable  of  the  ten 
talents  ? 

In  the  parable  of  the  ten  talents  He  teaches  us  the 
necessity  of  making  good  use  of  the  grace  He  gives  us. 

Who  is  the  man  in  the  parable  who  delivered  his 
goods  to  his  servants? 

The  man  who  delivered  his  goods  to  his  servants  is 
Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Which  are  the  goods  of  the  natural  order? 

The  goods  of  the  natural  order  are  principally  life, 
health,  and  a  moderate  amount  of  wealth. 


408 


The  New  Testament . 


Which  are  the  goods  of  the  supernatural  order? 

The  goods  o±  the  supernatural  order  are  actual 
grace  and  sanctifying  grace. 

Does  God  expect  us  to  use  His  grace? 

Yes,  God  does  expect  us  to  use  His  grace. 

How  does  the  parable  show  us  that  God  expects  us 
to  use  His  grace? 

It  shows  us  that  God  expects  us  to  use  His  grace 
because  the  master  praised  the  servants  who  had  earned 
twice  as  many  talents  as  he  had  given  them,  but  blamed 
the  one  who  had  earned  nothing. 

Did  the  servant  whom  the  master  blamed  lose  his 
talents? 

No,  he  hid  them,  and  that  was  just  the  reason  why 
the  master  blamed  him. 

What  does  this  show  us? 

It  shows  us  that  the  more  graces  we  receive  the 
more  good  works  God  will  expect  from  us. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  make  good  use  of  God's 
grace  and  to  live  so  that  we  may  be  ready  at  any 
moment  to  appear  before  our  Judge. 

LXVIII.  THE  LAST  JUDGMENT. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates:  (1),  The  preparation  for  the  last  judg¬ 
ment;  (2),  The  manner  in  which  the  judgment  will  be 
held;  (3),  The  sentence. 

In  what  does  the  preparation  consist  ? 

The  preparation  consists  in  the  coming  of  Christ. 

How  is  this  expressed? 

It  is  expressed  in  the  following  words:  “  When  the 


409 


The  Last  Judgment. 

Son  of  man  shall  come  in  His  majesty  and  all  the 
angels  with  Him,  then  shall  He  sit  npon  the  seat  of  His 
majesty/’ 

Will  the  last  judgment  be  a  general  judgment? 

Yes,  it  will  he  for  all  men. 

How  is  this  expressed  ? 

It  is  expressed  in  the  following  words:  “All  nations 
shall  be  gathered  together  before  Him.” 

How  does  the  Judge  proceed  to  judgment? 

The  Judge  proceeds  to  judgment  in  the  following 
manner:  (1)?  He  separates  the  good  from  the  had;  (2), 
He  passes  judgment  on  both  the  good  and  the  had. 

What  will  the  Judge  say  to  the  good? 

To  the  good  He  will  say:  “  Come,  ye  blessed  of  My 
Father,  possess  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.” 

What  reasons  will  the  Judge  give  for  this  favorable 
sentence  ? 

He  will  give  the  following  reasons:  “For  I  was 
hungry,  and  you  gave  Me  to  eat;  I  was  thirsty,  and  you 
gave  Me  to  drink;  I  was  a  stranger,  and  you  took  Me 
in;  naked,  and  you  clothed  Me;  sick,  and  you  visited 
Me;  I  was  in  prison,  and  you  came  to  Me.” 

What  will  the  just  say  to  this  ? 

They  will  say:  “  Lord,  when  have  we  done  these 
things  to  Thee?” 

What  will  the  Judge  say  in  reply  ? 

He  will  reply:  “  Amen  I  say  to  you,  as  long  as  you 
did  it  to  one  of  these,  the  least  of  My  brethren,  you 
did  it  to  Me.” 

What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  that  we  will  he  judged  according  to  our 
works,  especially  our  works  of  mercy. 


410 


The  New  Testament . 


What  will  the  Judge  say  to  the  wicked? 

To  the  wicked  He  will  say:  “  Depart  from  Me,,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  which  was  prepared  for 
the  devil  and  his  angels.” 

What  reasons  will  the  Judge  give  for  this  sentence? 

He  will  give  the  following  reasons:  “  I  was  hungry, 
and  you  gave  Me  not  to  eat;  I  was  thirsty,  and  you  gave 
Me  not  to  drink;  I  was  a  stranger,  and  you  took  Me 
not  in;  naked,  and  you  clothed  Me  not;  sick,  and  in 
prison,  and  you  visited  Me  not.” 

Why  does  the  Judge  condemn  the  wicked? 

He  condemns  them  because  they  have  been  un¬ 
charitable  to  their  fellow-men,  and  consequently  to 
Christ. 

What  is  the  conclusion  of  the  judgment? 

The  wicked  are  cast  into  the  eternal  torments  of 
hell,  while  the  just  enter  into  the  eternal  joys  of 
heaven. 

What  is  the  fate  of  the  damned  in  hell  ? 

The  damned  will  suffer  terrible  torments  in  hell, 
they  will  never  see  God,  they  will  be  in  the  company 
of  evil  spirits  and  their  sufferings  will  never  end. 

What  will  be  the  lot  of  the  just  in  heaven? 

The  joy  of  the  just  will  be  indescribable;  they  will 
see  God  face  to  face,  they  will  not  suffer  the  slightest 
pain,  but  will  enjoy  the  company  of  the  angels,  the 
saints,  and  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  their  happi¬ 
ness  will  be  without  end. 

What  should  we  meditate  on  frequently? 

We  should  meditate  frequently  on  the  four  last 
things  to  be  remembered,  heaven,  hell,  death,  and  judg¬ 
ment. 


The  Eating  of  the  Paschal  Lamb.  411 

LXIX.  THE  EATING  OF  THE  PASCHAL  LAMB 
AND  THE  WASHING  OF  THE  FEET. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  celebrated  the  feast  of  the 
paschal  lamb  and  washed  the  feet  of  His  Apostles. 

Which  virtues  of  Christ  are  manifested  in  this 
lesson? 

His  obedience  to  the  Jewish  Law  and  His  poverty 
are  manifested  in  this  lesson. 

How  did  He  show  His  obedience  to  the  Jewish  Law? 

He  showed  His  obedience  to  the  Jewish  Law  by 
keeping  the  feast  of  the  paschal  lamb. 

How  do  we  know  that  He  was  poor  ? 

We  know  that  He  was  poor  because  He  did  not  have 
His  own  house  in  which  He  could  celebrate  the  feast, 
but  had  to  ask  for  the  use  of  one. 

What  circumstances  made  the  eating  of  the  paschal 
lamb  on  this  occasion  remarkable? 

The  following  circumstances  made  it  remarkable: 
(1),  Because  it  was  the  last  ceremonial  act  of  the  Old 
Law;  (2),  It  was  the  last  meal  which  Jesus  took  with 
His  Apostles  before  His  death;  (3),  Because  it  is  a 
figure  of  the  heavenly  banquet. 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  He  had  eaten  of  the  paschal 
lamb  ? 

After  He  had  eaten  of  the  paschal  lamb  He  began 
to  wash  the  feet  of  His  Apostles. 

Why  did  Jesus  wash  the  feet  of  His  Apostles? 

J esus  washed  the  feet  of  His  Apostles  to  give  them 
an  example  of  humility  and  brotherly  love. 

What  does  the  washing  of  the  feet  signify? 

The  washing  of  the  feet  signifies  the  neces- 


412 


The  New  Testament . 


sity  of  cleansing  our  soul  before  we  receive  holy 
communion. 

How  do  we  cleanse  our  soul  from  mortal  sin? 

We  cleanse  our  soul  from  mortal  sin  by  making  a 
good  confession. 

To  what  class  of  sacraments  does  Penance  belong? 

Penance  belongs  to  the  sacraments  of  the  dead. 

Did  any  of  the  Apostles  refuse  to  allow  Jesus  to 
wash  his  feet? 

Yes,  St.  Peter  refused  at  first. 

Did  he  persist  in  his  refusal? 

No,  when  Jesus  told  him  that  it  was  necessary  he 
submitted. 

What  virtue  did  St.  Peter  practise  on  this  occasion? 

He  practised  the  virtue  of  humility. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  St.  Peter  when  he  refused 
to  have  his  feet  washed  by  Him? 

He  said:  “  If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou  shalt  have  no 
part  with  Me.” 

What  did  St.  Peter  reply  to  this  ? 

St.  Peter  replied:  “  Lord,  not  only  my  feet,  but 
also  my  hands  and  my  head.” 

What  does  this  reply  show? 

It  shows  St.  Peter’s  great  love  for  Jesus  and  how 
anxious  he  was  to  retain  it. 

Who  is  the  successor  of  St.  Peter? 

The  Pope,  the  Bishop  of  Rome,  is  the  successor  of 
St.  Peter. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  he  humble  and  care¬ 
ful  not  to  lose  Our  Lord’s  love  by  committing  a  mortal 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Blessed  Baer  ament.  413 


LXX.  JESUS  INSTITUTES  THE  BLESSED 

SACRAMENT  AND  FORETELLS  THE  TREA¬ 
SON  OF  JUDAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  the  institution  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament 
and  the  treason  of  Judas. 

When  did  Christ  institute  the  Blessed  Sacrament? 

On  Thursday  evening,  at  the  Last  Supper,  the  night 
before  He  died,  He  instituted  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

Who  were  present? 

His  twelve  Apostles  were  present. 

Was  the  institution  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  a  sur¬ 
prise  to  the  Apostles? 

No,  it  was  not  a  surprise  to  the  Apostles,  because 
Jesus  had  foretold  after  the  miracle  of  the  loaves  and 
fishes  that  He  would  give  them  one  day  His  own  flesh 
and  blood. 

How  did  Our  Lord  express  this  ? 

He  said:  “  The  bread  which  I  will  give  is  My  flesh 
for  the  life  of  the  world.” 

Did  the  people  understand  what  Christ  promised? 

Yes,  they  understood  that  He  intended  to  give  them 
His  body  and  blood,  but  because  they  could  not  under¬ 
stand  how  He  could  do  this,  they  would  not  believe. 

Was  Christ  obliged  to  explain  to  them  how  He 
would  give  them  His  flesh  and  blood? 

No,  they  had  just  seen  Him  perform  a  miracle 
which  God  alone,  or  one  sent  by  God,  could  work,  hence 
they  should  have  believed  Him. 

What  did  Christ  do  when  He  saw  that  the  people 
really  understood  Him  but  would  not  believe  Him? 

When  Christ  saw  that  the  people  understood  Him 


414 


The  New  Testament . 


but  would  not  believe  Him  He  repeated  more  emphati¬ 
cally  what  He  had  said. 

Was  there  any  figure  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  in 
the  Old  Testament? 

Yes,  the  manna  which  fell  from  heaven  to  feed  the 
Israelites  in  their  journey  through  the  desert  is  a  figure 
of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

When  did  Jesus  fulfil  His  promise  to  give  His  flesh 
and  blood? 

He  fulfilled  His  promise  at  the  Last  Supper,  the 
night  before  He  died. 

How  did  He  fulfil  His  promise? 

He  took  bread  in  His  holy  and  venerable  hands, 
and  raising  His  eyes  to  heaven.  He  blessed  it,  broke  it, 
and  gave  it  to  His  Apostles,  saying:  “  Take  ye,  and  eat. 
This  is  My  body/’  In  like  manner,  taking  the  chalice, 
He  gave  thanks  and  blessed  it,  saying:  “  Drink  ye  all  of 
this:  For  this  is  My  blood  of  the  Hew  Testament,  which 
shall  be  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins;  do 
this  for  a  commemoration  of  Me.” 

How  are  the  words  of  Christ,  “  This  is  My  body, 
this  is  My  blood,”  to  be  understood,  literally  or  figura¬ 
tively  ? 

They  are  to  be  understood  literally. 

How  do  we  know  that  He  wished  His  words  to  be 
understood  literally  and  not  figuratively? 

We  know  that  Christ  wished  His  words  to  be  under¬ 
stood  literally  and  not  figuratively  because  if  Christ 
wished  to  say  that  holy  communion  was  the  “  figure  ” 
of  His  body  and  blood  He  would  not  have  said  that  it 
was  His  flesh  and  blood. 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  415 

What  happened  when  Christ  said,  “  This  is  My 
body,”  etc.? 

As  soon  as  He  said  these  words  the  substance  of 
bread  was  changed  into  the  substance  of  His  body  and 
the  substance  of  wine  was  changed  into  the  substance 
of  His  blood. 

What  remained  of  the  bread  and  wine  ? 

The  appearances  alone  remained. 

What  do  we  mean  by  appearances? 

By  appearances  we  mean  the  figure,  the  color,  taste, 
and  whatever  we  can  perceive  by  our  senses. 

How  were  the  bread  and  wine  changed  into  the 
body  and  blood  of  Christ? 

The  bread  and  wine  were  changed  into  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ  by  His  almighty  power. 

What  is  this  change  of  bread  and  wine  into  the 
body  and  blood  of  Christ  called  ? 

This  change  is  called  Transubstantiation. 

What  does  Transubstantiation  mean? 

Transubstantiation  means  the  changing  of  one  sub¬ 
stance  into  another  substance. 

How  many  things  are  to  be  considered  in  Transub¬ 
stantiation  ? 

Three  things  are  to  he  considered  in  Transubstan¬ 
tiation:  (1),  The  substance  which  is  changed,  namely, 
the  bread  and  wine;  (2),  The  substance  into  which  it  is 
changed,  namely,  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ;  (3), 
The  whole  result  of  the  act  of  Transubstantiation, 
namely,  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  under  the  appear¬ 
ances  of  bread  and  wine. 

Is  the  Holy  Eucharist  only  a  sacrament? 

Ho,  it  is  also  a  sacrifice. 


416 


The  New  Testament . 


How  do  we  know  it  is  also  a  sacrifice? 

We  know  that  it  is  a  sacrifice  because  the  three 
things  necessary  to  constitute  a  sacrifice  are  present. 

Name  them. 

(1),  The  priest;  (2),  The  victim;  (3),  The  act  by 
which  the  victim  is  sacrificed. 

Who  was  the  priest  at  the  Last  Supper? 

The  priest  was  Jesus  Christ. 

Who  was  the  victim? 

The  victim  was  also  Jesus  Christ. 

When  did  He  offer  up  the  victim? 

He  offered  up  the  victim  when  He  placed  Himself 
under  the  appearances  of  bread  and  wine  for  the 
spiritual  nourishment  of  our  soul. 

What  does  the  separate  consecration  of  the  bread 
and  wine  represent  ? 

The  separate  consecration  of  the  bread  and  wine 
represents  the  separation  of  Christ’s  soul  from  His 
body  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  cross. 

What  happened  after  Our  Lord  changed  the  bread 
and  wine  into  His  body  and  blood? 

After  having  changed  the  bread  and  wine  into  His 
body  and  blood  Our  Lord  distributed  holy  communion 
to  His  Apostles. 

Did  Jesus  wish  to  have  the  sacrament  and  sacrifice 
of  the  Holy  Eucharist  continued  after  His  death? 

Yes,  for  He  said  to  His  Apostles:  “Do  this  for  a 
commemoration  of  Me.” 

What  does  the  word  “  this  ”  refer  to  ? 

The  word  “this”  refers  to  what  Jesus  had  just 
done;  namely,  to  the  changing  of  bread  and  wine  into 
His  body  and  blood. 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  417 


What  did  Jesus  command  His  Apostles  to  do? 

He  commanded  them  to  offer  sacrifice  and  to 
administer  holy  communion. 

What  did  Our  Lord  make  the  Apostles  at  the  Last 
Supper  ? 

He  made  them  priests. 

Would  it  he  wrong  to  call  a  Protestant  minister  a 
priest  ? 

Yes,  for  Protestants  have  no  sacrifice.  Only  one 
who  offers  sacrifice  can  he  called  a  priest. 

Did  the  Apostles  give  their  priestly  power  to  others  ? 

Yes;  before  they  died  they  conferred  on  their  suc¬ 
cessors  the  same  power  that  they  had  received  from 
Christ. 

Who  are  their  successors  in  their  priestly  office? 

The  bishops  and  priests  of  the  Catholic  Church  are 
the  successors  of  the  Apostles  in  their  priestly  office. 

When  do  the  bishops  and  priests  exercise  their 
power  to  sacrifice? 

Bishops  and  priests  exercise  their  power  to  sacrifice 
as  often  as  they  offer  up  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 

What  is  the  Mass? 

The  Mass  is  the  unbloody  sacrifice  of  the  cross. 

Is  the  Mass  the  same  sacrifice  as  the  sacrifice  of  the 
cross  ? 

Yes,  the  Mass  is  the  same  sacrifice  as  the  sacrifice 
of  the  cross  because  the  offering  or  victim  and  the 
priest  are  the  same  in  both  sacrifices:  Christ,  our 
blessed  Lord;  and  the  ends  for  which  the  sacrifice  of 
the  cross  was  offered  are  the  same  as  the  ends  for 
which  Mass  is  offered. 


418 


The  New  Testament. 


But  is  there  no  difference  between  the  sacrifice  of 
the  cross  and  the  Mass? 

Yes,  the  manner  is  different;  Christ  really  shed  His 
blood  on  the  cross,  in  the  Mass  Christ  d3es  not  really 
shed  His  blood,  but  the  separate  consecration  of  the 
bread  and  wine  represents  Christ’s  death  on  the  cross; 
on  the  cross  Christ  “  acquired  ”  an  infinite  amount  of 
merits,  in  the  Mass  these  merits  are  “  applied  ”  to  our 
soul. 

At  what  part  of  the  Mass  is  the  act  of  sacrifice  per¬ 
formed? 

The  act  of  sacrifice  is  performed  at  the  Consecra¬ 
tion. 

Which  are  the  principal  parts  of  the  Mass? 

The  principal  parts  of  the  Mass  are  the  Offertory, 
the  Consecration,  and  the  Communion. 

What  takes  place  at  the  Offertory  ? 

At  the  Offertory  bread  and  wine  are  offered  to  God, 
that  is  to  say,  are  blessed. 

What  takes  place  at  the  Consecration? 

At  the  Consecration  the  real  sacrifice  is  made,  viz., 
the  body  and  blood  of  Our  Lord  under  the  appearances 
of  bread  and  wine  are  offered  up. 

What  takes  place  at  the  Communion? 

At  the  Communion  the  priest  consumes  the  Blessed 
Sacrament  and  administers  it  to  all  who  wish  to 
receive  it. 

Is  the  body  of  Christ  affected  when  the  priest 
breaks  the  sacred  Host? 

Ho,  the  body  of  Christ  is  not  affected  when  the 
priest  breaks  the  sacred  Host. 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Blessed  Sacrament .  419 

Of  what  does  the  communion  of  the  priest  re¬ 
mind  us  ? 

It  reminds  us  of  the  love-feast  that  took  place  after 
the  sacrifice  in  the  Old  Law. 

What  did  this  signify? 

It  signified  that  all  who  had  become  reconciled  to 
God  by  the  sacrifice  had  been  admitted  again  to  His 
friendship. 

What  were  the  ends  for  which  the  sacrifice  of  the 
cross  was  offered? 

The  ends  for  which  the  sacrifice  of  the  cross  was 
offered  were:  (1),  To  honor  and  glorify  God;  (2),  To 
thank  Him  for  all  the  graces  He  bestowed  on  the  whole 
world;  (3),  To  satisfy  God’s  justice  for  the  sins  of  men; 
(4),  To  obtain  all  graces  and  blessings. 

Why  did  Jesus  institute  the  unbloody  sacrifice  of 
the  Mass? 

Jesus  instituted  the  sacrifice  of  the  Mass:  (1),  To 
keep  before  our  mind  continually  the  sacrifice  of  the 
cross;  (2),  To  apply  its  fruits  to  our  soul. 

What  are  the  fruits  of  the  Mass  ? 

The  fruits  of  the  Mass  are  three-fold:  (1),  The  gen¬ 
eral  fruit  in  which  all  the  faithful  share;  (2),  The 
special  fruit  which  the  priest  applies  to  the  person  for 
whom  the  Mass  is  said;  (3),  The  most  special  fruit 
which  the  priest  himself  receives. 

Do  those  who  attend  Mass  share  in  its  fruits  ? 

Yes,  they  share  in  the  general  fruit,  and  the  more 
devoutly  they  assist  at  the  Mass  the  more  abundant  is 
the  fruit. 

What  else  did  Jesus  do  at  the  Last  Supper? 

He  foretold  His  betrayal  by  Judas. 


420 


The  New  Testament . 


How  did  He  foretell  it? 

He  foretold  it  in  the  following  words:  “  Amen, 
amen,  I  say  to  yon  that  one  of  you  will  betray  Me.” 

What  did  His  words  contain? 

They  contained  a  prediction  of  the  betrayal  and  a 
warning  to  the  traitor. 

What  attribute  did  Jesus  show  on  this  occasion? 

He  showed  His  infinite  love  and  mercy  for  sinners, 
for  He  was  willing  to  pardon  Judas  even  at  the  very 
last  moment. 

Lid  Judas  heed  the  warning  of  Jesus? 

Ho,  he  resisted  the  grace  of  God  and  died  in  his 
sins. 

What  sin  did  Judas  commit? 

He  committed  a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  always  trust  in  the 
mercy  of  God,  for  God  Himself  cannot  help  the  sinner 
who  despairs. 

LXXI.  JESUS  FORETELLS  THE  DENIAL  OF 

ST.  PETER  AND  BIDS  FAREWELL  TO  HIS 

APOSTLES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  foretold  the  denial  of  St.  Peter 
and  bade  farewell  to  His  Apostles. 

What  does  this  lesson  contain? 

It  contains:  (1),  A  proof  that  Jesus  is  God;  (2), 
That  the  Pope  as  successor  of  St.  Peter  is  infallible; 
(3),  Some  words  of  consolation  for  the  Apostles  and  the 
Church;  (4),  The  doctrine  that  God’s  grace  is  necessary 
for  every  good  work. 


Jesus  Foretells  the  Denial  of  St.  Peter .  421 

How  does  it  contain  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of 
Christ  ? 

It  contains  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of  Christ  because 
He  foretold  that  Peter  would  deny  Him,  and  only  God 
knows  the  future. 

How  did  Jesus  foretell  that  St.  Peter  would  deny 
Him? 

He  foretold  it  in  the  following  words:  “  Amen, 
amen,  I  say  unto  thee,  the  cock  shall  not  crow  till  thou 
deny  Me  thrice.” 

Why  did  Jesus  foretell  that  St.  Peter  would  deny 
Him? 

He  foretold  it  to  admonish  His  Apostles  to  be 
humble,  and  to  watch  and  pray. 

Which  words  of  Christ  contain  a  proof  of  the  in¬ 
fallibility  of  the  Pope? 

The  following  words  contain  a  proof  of  the  infalli¬ 
bility  of  the  Pope  as  the  successor  of  St.  Peter: 
“  Simon,  Simon,  ...  I  have  prayed  for  thee  that  thy 
faith  fail  not;  and  thou  being  once  converted  confirm 
thy  brethren.” 

How  does  this  text  contain  a  proof  of  the  infalli¬ 
bility  of  the  Pope? 

Our  Lord  prayed  that  St.  Peter  should  be  infallible, 
and  also  commanded  him  to  make  his  brethren  in¬ 
fallible.  But  the  Apostles  were  all  personally  infallible 
as  long  as  they  remained  united  with  St.  Peter;  so  it 
must  have  been  some  one  else  besides  the  Apostles 
whom  he  was  to  confirm:  they  are  the  successors  of  the 
Apostles  and  all  the  faithful.  But  St.  Peter  is  unable 
to  confirm  the  faith  of  any  one  after  his  death.  There¬ 
fore  his  lawful  successors  the  Popes  must  have  the 


422 


The  New  Testament. 


same  power  to  confirm  the  faith  of  all  that  St.  Peter 
had. 

Who  are  infallible? 

(1),  The  Pope;  (2),  An  Ecumenical  Council;  (3),  All 
the  bishops  of  the  world  in  union  with  the  Pope,  are 
infallible. 

Why  did  Jesus  console  His  Apostles? 

He  consoled  them  because  He  was  about  to  leave 
them. 

How  did  He  console  them? 

He  consoled  them:  (1),  By  reminding  them  of  their 
reward  in  heaven;  (2),  By  promising  to  return  soon; 
(3),  By  promising  to  send  them  the  Holy  Ghost. 

How  did  He  refer  them  to  their  reward  in  heaven? 

He  referred  to  their  reward  as  follows:  “  In  My 
Father’s  house  there  are  many  mansions.  ...  I  go  to 
prepare  a  place  for  you.” 

How  did  He  promise  to  return  soon? 

He  promised  to  return  when  He  said:  “  I  will  come 
again,  and  will  take  you  to  Myself,  that  where  I  am 
you  also  may  be.” 

How  did  He  promise  to  send  the  Holy  Ghost? 

He  promised  to  send  the  Holy  Ghost  when  He  said: 
“And  I  will  ask  the  Father,  and  He  shall  give  you 
another  Paraclete,  that  He  may  abide  with  you  for¬ 
ever,  the  Spirit  of  truth.” 

Is  grace  necessary  to  be  saved? 

Yes,  without  the  grace  of  God  we  cannot  perform 
the  smallest  work  that  will  avail  us  anything  for 
heaven. 

Does  Christ  teach  that  grace  i3  necessary  to  save 
our  soul? 

Yes,  He  teaches  this  in  the  parable  of  the  vine. 


Jesus  Foretells  the  Denial  of  St.  Peter.  423 

How  is  this  doctrine  expressed  in  the  parable  ? 

When  the  branch  is  separated  from  the  vine  it  can¬ 
not  bring  forth  any  fruit,  but  will  soon  wither  away; 
so  if  wre  are  not  united  with  Christ,  the  true  vine,  we 
cannot  bring  forth  fruits  of  good  works. 

How  are  we  united  to  Christ  ? 

We  are  united  to  Christ  by  sanctifying  grace. 

How  does  Jesus  conclude  at  the  Last  Supper? 

He  concludes  with  what  is  called  “  The  prayer  of 
the  great  High  Priest.” 

Why  is  it  called  the  prayer  of  the  great  High 
Priest  ? 

It  is  called  the  prayer  of  the  great  high  priest 
because  Jesus  is  the  great  High  Priest. 

For  what  does  Jesus  pray? 

Jesus  prays:  (1),  That  His  name  be  glorified;  (2). 
That  His  Apostles  be  preserved  in  grace;  (3),  For 
union  among  the  faithful  on  earth  and  glory  in  heaven. 

How  does  He  pray  for  His  own  glory  ? 

He  prays  for  His  own  glory  as  follows:  “  And  now 
glorify  Thou  Me,  0  Father,  with  Thyself,  with  thfe 
glory  which  I  had  before  the  world  was  with  Thee.” 

How  was  Jesus  glorified? 

He  was  glorified  by  His  Resurrection  and  Ascen¬ 
sion. 

How  did  He  pray  for  the  confirmation  of  the  Apos¬ 
tles  in  grace? 

He  prayed  for  the  confirmation  of  the  Apostles  as 
follows:  “  I  pray  not  that  Thou  shouldst  take  them  out 
of  the  world,  but  that  Thou  shouldst  keep  them  from 
all  evil.” 

How  did  He  pray  for  union  among  the  faithful? 

He  prayed  for  union  among  the  faithful  when  He 


424 


The  New  Testament . 

said:  “  That  they  all  may  be  one,  as  Thou,  Father,  in 
Me  and  I  in  Thee,  that  they  also  may  he  one  in  us.” 

How  does  He  pray  for  their  glory  in  heaven? 

He  prays  for  their  glory  in  heaven  when  He  says: 
“  Father,  I  will  that  where  I  am  they  also  whom  Thou 
hast  given  Me,  may  he  with  Me;  that  they  may  see  My 
glory  which  Thou  hast  given  Me.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  he  humble,  and  always 
remember  that  God  gives  His  grace  to  the  humble,  but 
resists  the  proud. 

LXXII.  THE  AGONY  OF  JESUS  IN  THE 

GARDEN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  agony  of  Jesus  in  the  garden. 

Where  did  the  agony  of  Christ  take  place  ? 

The  agony  took  place  on  Mount  Olivet. 

Where  is  Mount  Olivet? 

Mount  Olivet  is  east  of  Jerusalem,  just  beyond  the 
brook  of  Cedron. 

Whom  did  Our  Lord  take  with  Him  to  Mount 
Olivet  ? 

He  took  St.  Peter,  St.  James,  and  St.  John. 

Why  did  He  take  just  these  three  Apostles? 

He  took  these  three  Apostles  that  they  who  had 
seen  Him  glorified  as  God  on  Mount  Thabor  might 
now  see  Him  suffer  as  man  on  Mount  Olivet. 

Did  Jesus  express  His  suffering  in  words? 

Yes?  He  said  to  the  Apostles:  “  My  soul  is  sorrow¬ 
ful  even  unto  death.” 


425 


The  Agony  of  Jesus  in  the  Garden . 

What  do  we  learn  from  these  words? 

We  learn  from  these  words  that  Jesns  had  not  only 
a  body,  but  also  a  sonl. 

How  do  these  words  prove  that  Jesns  had  a  soul? 

They  prove  that  He  had  a  soul  because  as  God  He 
could  not  be  sorrowful. 

Is  He  our  great  High  Priest  as  God  or  as  man  ? 

He  is  our  great  High  Priest  according  to  His 
human  nature,  as  man. 

Why  was  Jesus  so  sorrowful? 

He  was  sorrowful:  (1),  Because  He  saw  that  His 
suffering  and  death  were  close  at  hand;  (2),  Because  of 
the  great  number  and  malice  of  the  sins  for  which  He 
was  to  atone;  (3),  Because  He  saw  that  His  suffering 
and  death  would  be  in  vain  for  a  great  many. 

Why  were  the  suffering  and  death  of  Jesus  of  no 
benefit  to  many  ? 

The  suffering  and  death  of  Jesus  were  of  no  benefit 
to  many  because  they  did  not  make  use  of  the  graces 
acquired  by  Christ’s  suffering  and  death. 

When  do  we  make  use  of  the  grace  acquired  by 
Christ’s  suffering  and  death? 

We  make  use  of  the  grace  of  Christ:  (1),  When  we 
believe  all  that  God  has  revealed;  (2),  When  we  keep 
the  Commandments;  (3),  When  we  receive  the  sacra¬ 
ments. 

What  did  Jesus  do  in  His  agony? 

In  His  agony  Jesus  (1),  Offered  up  a  prayer  to  His 
heavenly  Father;  (2),  He  expressed  His  resignation  to 
the  will  of  His  heavenly  Father;  (3),  He  gave  the 
Apostles  wholesome  advice. 


426 


The  New  Testament. 


What  did  He  pray? 

He  prayed:  “  0  My  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this 
chalice  pass  from  Me.” 

How  did  Jesus  pray? 

He  prayed:  (1),  With  attention,  because  He  was 
alone — He  went  off  from  the  Apostles;  (2),  With 
humility,  for  He  prostrated  Himself;  (3),  With  perse¬ 
verance,  for  He  prayed  three  times;  (4),  With  resigna¬ 
tion,  for  He  said:  “  Not  My  will  but  Thine  be  done.” 

What  advice  did  He  give  the  Apostles  ? 

He  told  them  to  watch  and  pray:  “  Watch  and 
pray,”  He  said,  “  lest  you  fall  into  temptation.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  pray  in  time  of 
trouble;  (2),  To  be  always  on  our  guard  against  tempta¬ 
tion;  (3),  To  be  humbly  resigned  to  the  will  of  God  in 
all  things. 

LXXIII.  JESUS  IS  SEIZED  IN  THE  GARDEN. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Jesus  was  seized  by  the  Jews. 

What  did  Jesus  show  when  He  was  taken  prisoner? 

He  showed:  (1)?  That  He  is  God;  (2),  His  great 
love  for  men;  (3),  His  love  for  His  enemies;  (4),  His 
love  for  the  Apostles. 

How  did  He  show  that  He  is  God  ? 

Jesus  showed  that  He  is  God  in  the  following 
manner:  (1),  He  asked  the  Jews:  “  Whom  seek  you?” 
When  Jesus  said:  “I  am  He,”  that  is,  the  One  you 
seek,  they  fell  down  and  were  unable  to  move;  (2),  He 
healed  at  once  the  ear  of  Malchus,  that  Peter  had 
cut  off. 


Jesus  is  Seized  in  the  Garden .  427 

How  did  He  show  His  love  for  men  ? 

He  showed  His  love  for  men  by  delivering  Himself 
willingly  into  the  hands  of  His  enemies  to  redeem 
them  from  sin. 

How  did  He  show  His  love  for  His  enemies  ? 

He  showed  His  love  for  His  enemies:  (1),  By  ap¬ 
pealing  to  Judas  the  traitor  even  at  the  last  moment; 
(2),  By  healing  the  ear  of  Malchus. 

How  did  He  appeal  to  Judas? 

He  said  to  Judas:  “  Friend,  whereto  art  thou  come? 
Judas,  dost  thou  betray  the  Son  of  man  with  a  kiss?  ” 

Why  did  Jesus  speak  thus  to  Judas? 

Jesus  spoke  thus  to  Judas  to  remind  him  of  the 
enormity  of  his  sin,  and  thus  move  him  to  repent  of  it. 

Should  we  also  love  our  enemies  ? 

Yes,  we  should  love  our  enemies,  for  Jesus  says: 
“  Love  your  enemies;  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you; 
pray  for  them  that  persecute  and  calumniate  you.” 

Could  Judas  have  obtained  pardon  even  after  he  had 
betrayed  Our  Lord? 

Yes,  Judas  could  have  obtained  pardon  had  he  only 
repented. 

What  was  the  consequence  of  Judas’s  resistance  of 
the  grace  of  God? 

The  consequence  was  that  he  despaired  and  died  in 
his  sins,  just  as  all  who  resist  the  grace  of  God  will. 

How  did  Jesus  show  His  love  for  His  Apostles? 

He  showed  His  love  for  them  by  requesting  His 
enemies  to  spare  them. 

What  did  Christ  say? 

He  said:  “  If,  therefore,  you  seek  Me  let  these,’’ 
meaning  His  Apostles,  “go  away.” 


428 


The  New  Testament. 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  thank  Jesus  for 
His  great  love  for  us;  (2),  To  avoid  that  which  made 
Him  suffer  so  much — mortal  sin;  (3),  To  forgive  our 
enemies. 

LXXIY.  JESUS  BEFOEE  ANNAS  AND 

CAIPHAS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  happened  when  Jesus  appeared 
before  Annas  and  Caipha-s. 

Whither  was  Jesus  led  after  He  was  seized? 

After  Jesus  was  seized  He  was  led  to  Annas. 

Who  was  Annas  ? 

Annas  was  the  father-in-law  of  Caiphas,  the  high 
priest,  and  had  formerly  been  high  priest  himself. 

Was  Annas  entitled  to  hear  Our  Lord? 

No,  Annas  had  no  authority  to  hear  Our  Lord, 
because  he  was  not  the  high  priest. 

How  was  it  possible  that  Annas  claimed  the  right 
to  exercise  this  important  office? 

He  could  do  this  because  he  had  great  influence 
over  his  son-in-law,  Caiphas,  who  was  a  weak  man. 

About  what  did  Annas  question  Jesus? 

He  questioned  Him:  (1),  About  His  Apostles;  (2), 
About  His  teaching. 

What  did  Jesus  answer  concerning  His  Apostles? 

He  did  not  answer  anything  concerning  His 
Apostles. 

Why  did  He  say  nothing  about  His  Apostles  ? 

He  said  nothing  about  His  Apostles  because  He  did 
not  wish  to  expose  them  to  any  danger,  as  He  knew 


429 


Jesus  "before  Annas  and  C alphas. 

they  were  weak  and  timid  and  might  easily  fall  a  prey 
to  temptation. 

What  did  He  say  concerning  His  teaching? 

He  told  Annas  that  He  had  preached  openly;  if  he 
wished  to  learn  anything  about  His  teaching  he  might 
ask  those  who  had  heard  Him. 

What  was  the  result  of  the  hearing  before  Annas  ? 

Annas  became  embarrassed.  He  had  nothing  to 
reply  to  the  quiet  answers  of  Christ,  so  he  ordered  Him 
to  be  brought  to  Caiphas. 

What  was  remarkable  about  the  hearing  before 
Caiphas  ? 

It  was  remarkable  because  of  the  gross  injustice  of 
the  judges  and  because  of  the  public  testimony  of 
Christ  for  His  divinity. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  judges  were  unjust? 

We  know  that  the  judges  were  unjust  because  they 
listened  to  the  testimony  of  witnesses  whom  they  knew 
had  been  bribed  to  testify  falsely. 

What  did  the  false  witnesses  testify  ? 

They  testified:  “This  man  said,  I  am  able  to  destroy 
the  temple  of  God  and  in  three  days  to  rebuild  it.” 

Did  Jesus  say  this  ? 

Ho,  Jesus  said:  “  Destroy  the  temple,”  pointing  to 
His  body,  “  and  in  three  days  I  will  build  it  up.” 

What  did  Jesus  reply  to  the  false  testimony? 

He  said  nothing. 

When  did  Christ  speak? 

Christ  spoke  when  Caiphas  said  to  Him:  “  I  adjure 
Thee,  by  the  living  God,  that  Thou  tell  us  if  Thou  be 
the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God.” 

What  did  Jesus  answer? 

He  answered:  “  Thou  hast  said  it.” 


430 


The  New  Testament. 


Are  we  allowed  to  take  an  oath  ? 

Yes,  we  are  allowed  to  take  an  oath  when  what  we 
swear  to  is  true,  and  when  there  is  sufficient  reason  for 
calling  on  God  as  witness  to  the  truth  of  what  we  say. 

What  did  Caiphas  do  when  he  heard  the  answer  of 
Jesus  ? 

When  Caiphas  heard  the  answer  of  Jesus  he  rent 
his  garments  and  said:  “  He  hath  blasphemed;  what 
further  need  have  we  of  witnesses?” 

What  charge  was  brought  against  Jesus  after  this? 

The  charge  of  blasphemy  was  brought  against  Him. 

How  was  this  crime  punished? 

It  was  punishable  with  death. 

What  did  Caiphas  say  to  the  assembled  Jews? 

He  said:  “  Behold,  now  you  have  heard  the  blas¬ 
phemy:  what  think  you?” 

What  did  they  answer? 

They  answered:  “  He  is  guilty  of  death.” 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  learn  from  it  to  be  meek  and  patient  when 
calumniated  and  persecuted. 

LXXV.  ST.  PETER  DENIES  CHRIST.— JUDAS 

DESPAIRS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  St.  Peter  denied  Our  Lord,  and  that 
Judas  hanged  himself. 

Did  Jesus  foretell  that  St.  Peter  would  deny  Him? 

Yes,  He  said  to  St.  Peter:  “  Amen  I  say  to  thee, 
that  in  this  night  before  the  cock  crows  twice  thou 
wilt  deny  Me  thrice.” 

How  did  St.  Peter  deny  Jesus? 

A  maid  servant  of  the  high  priest  looked  at  him  and 


St.  Peter  Denies  Christ . 


431 


said:  u  This  man  also  was  with  Jesns  of  Nazareth/'* 
and  St.  Peter  replied:  “  Woman,  I  know  Him  not” 

How  many  times  did  St.  Peter  deny  Our  Lord  ? 

He  denied  Him  three  times,  and  the  third  time  he 
confirmed  his  denial  with  an  oath. 

Did  he  commit  a  mortal  sin? 

Yes,  he  committed  a  mortal  sin. 

How  do  we  know  that  he  committed  a  mortal  sin  ? 

We  know  that  he  committed  a  mortal  sin  because 
the  three  things  necessary  to  make  a  sin  mortal  were 
present:  grievous  matter,  sufficient  reflection,  and  full 
consent  of  the  will. 

How  many  sins  did  he  commit  ? 

He  committed  three  sins:  He  told  a  lie,  he  took  a 
false  oath,  and  denied  his  faith. 

Did  he  lose  his  faith? 

No,  he  did  not  lose  his  faith. 

Would  the  fall  of  St.  Peter  be  anything  against  his 
infallibility  ? 

No,  it  was  a  personal  sin,  not  a  declaration  of 
faith  or  morals  for  all  the  faithful. 

Why  did  St.  Peter  fall  into  so  grievous  a  sin? 

He  fell  into  this  sin:  (1),  Because  he  did  not  avoid 
the  occasion  of  sin;  (2),  Because  he  had  too  much  con¬ 
fidence  in  himself;  (3),  Because  he  did  not  heed  the 
warning  of  Christ,  “  Watch  and  pray  lest  you  fall  into 
temptation.” 

Why  did  Christ  permit  St.  Peter  to  commit  this  sin  ? 

He  permitted  it:  (1),  In  order  that  St.  Peter,  who 
was  to  rule  the  whole  Church,  might  he  kind  and  con¬ 
siderate  to  the  sinner;  (2),  That  all  might  see  in  him 
an  example  of  true  penance. 


432 


The  New  Testament. 


Did  St.  Peter  repent  of  his  sin? 

Yes,  as  soon  as  Jesus  looked  at  him  he  realized  the 
enormity  of  his  sin,  went  out,  and  wept  bitterly. 

Which  are  the  qualities  of  contrition? 

The  qualities  of  contrition  are  four:  it  should  be 
interior,  supernatural,  universal,  and  sovereign. 

How  many  kinds  of  contrition  are  there  ? 

There  are  two  kinds  of  contrition,  perfect  and  im¬ 
perfect. 

Is  imperfect  contrition  sufficient  for  a  good  con¬ 
fession? 

Yes,  but  we  should  try  to  have  perfect  contrition. 

Was  Judas  sorry  for  his  sin? 

Yes,  Judas  was  sorry  for  his  sin. 

How  do  we  know  he  was  sorry? 

We  know  that  he  was  sorry  because  Scripture  says: 
“  He  repented  himself;”  moreover  he  said  to  the  high 
priests:  “  I  have  sinned  in  betraying  innocent  blood.” 

Why  was  his  sin  not  forgiven  if  he  was  sorry? 

It  was  not  forgiven  because  he  did  not  ask  God’s 
pardon;  he  despaired  of  God’s  mercy. 

Can  every  sinner  hope  to  obtain  pardon  from  God? 

Yes,  even  the  greatest  sinner  will  receive  pardon 
from  God  if  he  truly  repents. 

How  did  Judas  die? 

He  hanged  himself. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  To  avoid  the  occasion 
of  sin;  (2)}  To  pray  regularly  and  always  be  on  our 
guard  against  temptation;  (3),  To  repent  at  once  by 


Jesus  before  Pilate  and  Herod. 


433 


making  a  good  confession  if  we  have  had  the  mis¬ 
fortune  of  falling  into  sin. 


LXXYI.  JESUS  BEFORE  PILATE  AND  HEROD. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  what  happened  when  Jesus  appeared 
before  Pilate  and  Herod. 

What  was  the  accusation  against  Jesus  when  He 
appeared  before  Pilate? 

There  were  three  accusations:  (1),  That  He  incited 
the  people  to  revolt;  (2),  That  He  forbade  them  to  give 
tribute  to  Caesar;  (3),  That  He  called  Himself  king. 

How  did  He  meet  these  accusations? 

He  replied  only  to  the  last. 

Why  did  He  not  reply  to  the  first  two  ? 

He  did  not  reply  to  the  first  two  because  the  accu¬ 
sations  were  too  evidently  false. 

How  was  the  first  charge  evidently  false  ? 

The  first  charge  was  evidently  false  because  the 
people  had  heard  Him  command  them  to  obey  their 
superiors,  even  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees.  For  to 
them  He  refers  when  He  says:  “  Therefore,  whatso¬ 
ever  they  shall  say  to  you,  observe  and  do.” 

How  was  the  second  charge  evidently  false? 

The  second  charge  was  evidently  false  because 
Jesus  has  said  publicly:  “  Give  to  Caesar  the  things  that 
are  Caesar’s,”  and  furthermore  had  performed  a 
miracle  to  pay  the  Temple  tax  for  Himself  and  St. 
Peter. 


434: 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  was  the  third  accusation  false? 

The  third  accusation  was  false  because  Jesus  fled 
when  the  people  wished  to  make  Him  king. 

But  did  not  Jesus  admit  before  Pilate  that  He  was 
a  king? 

Yes,  He  said:  “I  am  a  king,”  but  He  added:  “My 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.” 

What  is  His  kingdom? 

His  kingdom  is  His  Church  on  earth. 

Why  is  the  Church  not  of  this  world? 

The  Church  is  not  of  this  world:  (1),  Because  Jesus 
Christ,  its  Founder,  came  down  from  heaven;  (2),  Be¬ 
cause  it  was  established  to  lead  men  to  heaven;  (3), 
Because  the  means  it  employs  are  principally  spiritual, 
not  excluding  temporal  and  material  means  when  they 
are  necessary  to  fulfil  its  Christ-given  mission. 

Did  Pilate  know  that  Jesus  was  innocent? 

Yes,  for  he  said  publicly  to  His  accusers:  “I  find 
no  cause  in  this  man.” 

Why  did  Pilate  have  Jesus  led  to  Herod? 

He  did  this  because  Herod  was  Governor  of  Galilee, 
the  country  from  which  Jesus  came. 

Why  did  Jesus  not  answer  the  questions  of  Herod? 

He  did  not  answer  the  questions  of  Herod  because 
He  knew  that  Herod  was  not  anxious  to  find  out  the 
truth,  but  wished  only  to  satisfy  his  curiosity. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  bear  in  silence  the  false 
accusations  of  our  enemies. 


Jesus  is  Condemned  to  Death . 


435 


LXXYII.  JESUS  IS  SCOURGED,  CROWNED 

WITH  THORNS,  AND  CONDEMNED  TO 

DEATH. 

How  many  events  from  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord  are 
related  in  this  lesson  ? 

Four  events  are  related:  (1),  That  Barabbas  was 
released  in  preference  to  Jesus;  (2),  That  Jesus  was 
scourged;  (3),  That  He  was  crowned  with  thorns;  (4), 
That  He  was  condemned  to  death. 

Why  did  Pilate  ask  the  Jews  to  choose  between 
Barabbas  and  Christ? 

He  did  this  because  he  wished  to  free  Christ,  and 
he  did  not  think  that  the  Jews  would  hesitate  for  one 
moment  to  prefer  Our  Lord  to  a  most  notorious 
criminal. 

Was  Pilate  deceived  in  his  opinion  of  the  Jews? 

Yes,  for  they  preferred,  without  the  least  hesita¬ 
tion,  Barabbas  to  J esus. 

Why  was  this  event  most  painful  to  Jesus  ? 

It  was  most  painful  to  Him  because  He  saw  Him¬ 
self  placed  below  a  hardened  sinner,  and  because  of 
the  public  ingratitude  of  the  people  He  loved  so 
tenderly  and  for  whom  He  had  done  so  much. 

What  prophecy  was  fulfilled  by  this  event? 

The  prophecy  of  Isaias  was  fulfilled  by  this  event: 
“  He  was  reputed  among  the  wicked.”  (Is.  liii.  12.) 

Why  was  the  scourging  at  the  pillar  most  painful 
to  Jesus? 

The  scourging  at  the  pillar  was  most  painful  to 
Jesus  because:  (1),  It  was  a  punishment  inflicted  on 
only  the  most  hardened  criminals;  (2),  Because  it 
offended  His  most  holy  sense  of  modesty  to  be  publicly 


436 


The  New  Testament. 


stripped;  (3),  Because  of  the  great  physical  pain,  for 
the  Fathers  tell  us  that  His  body  was  more  delicately 
constituted  than  ours. 

For  which  sins  especially  did  Jesus  suffer  the 
scourging  at  the  pillar? 

He  suffered  the  scourging  at  the  pillar  especially 
for  the  sins  of  impurity. 

Which  prophecies  were  fulfilled  by  the  scourging 
at  the  pillar? 

The  following  prophecies  were  fulfilled  by  the 
scourging  at  the  pillar:  (1),  The  prophecy  of  David: 
“  But  I  am  a  worm  and  no  man;  the  reproach  of  men 
and  the  outcast  of  the  people”  (Ps.  xxi.  7);  (2),  The 
prophecy  of  Isaias:  “But  He  'was  wounded  for  our 
iniquities,  He  was  bruised  for  our  sins.”  (Is.  liii.  5.) 

What  did  the  prophets  foretell  about  Jesus? 

They  foretold:  (1),  The  time  and  place  of  His 
birth;  (2),  The  circumstances  of  His  life,  suffering,  and 
death;  (3),  His  Resurrection  and  Ascension  into 
heaven;  (4),  The  institution  of  His  Church  and  its 
duration  till  the  end  of  time. 

Why  did  Jesus  permit  Himself  to  be  crowned  with 
thorns  ? 

He  permitted  Himself  to  be  crowned  with  thorns 
to  satisfy  especially  for  the  sins  of  pride. 

What  did  Pilate  do  after  Jesus  had  been  scourged? 

After  Jesus  had  been  scourged  Pilate  had  Him  led 
before  the  people,  thinking  that  when  they  would  see 
His  pitiable  condition  they  would  have  compassion  on 
Him. 

What  did  Pilate  say  when  he  showed  Jesus  to  the 
people? 

He  said;  “  Behold  the  man  !  ” 


Jesus  is  Condemned  to  Death. 


437 


What  did  the  people  answer  ? 

The  people  answered:  “  Crucify  Him!  crucify 
Him!” 

Did  the  high  priests  and  Ancients  threaten  Pilate? 

Yes;  they  said:  “  If  thou  release  this  man  thou  art 
not  Caesar’s  friend.” 

Did  their  threats  affect  Pilate  ? 

Yes,  he  became  frightened  and  condemned  Jesus 
to  death. 

Did  Pilate  try  to  free  himself  of  the  responsibility 
for  the  death  of  Jesus? 

Yes;  he  took  water  and  washing  his  hands  said  to 
the  people:  “I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just 
man;  look  you  to  it.” 

Was  Pilate  nevertheless  responsible  for  the  death 
of  Jesus? 

Yes,  for  he  knew  that  Jesus  was  innocent,  and  he 
should  have  set  Him  free. 

Did  Jesus  die  freely? 

Yes;  the  prophet  Isaias  says:  “  He  was  offered  up 
because  it  was  His  own  will.”  (Is.  liii.  7.) 

Why  did  Jesus  die? 

He  died  on  account  of  our  sins. 

What  instruments  did  God  employ  to  bring  about 
the  death  of  Jesus? 

He  employed  two  instruments:  (1),  The  hatred  of 
the  Jews;  (2),  The  cowardice  of  Pilate. 

What  sin  did  Pilate  commit  by  not  setting  Jesus 
free? 

He  committed  the  sin  of  human  respect. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  practise  works  of  morti¬ 
fication  and  to  cultivate  a  love  for  holy  purity. 


438 


The  New  Testament . 


LXXYIII.  JESUS  CARRIES  HIS  CROSS  AND  IS 

CRUCIFIED. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  what  happened  while  Jesus  carried  His 
cross  and  was  crucified. 

Why  did  Jesus  carry  the  cross? 

Jesus  carried  the  cross  to  give  us  an  example,  and 
to  encourage  us  to  carry  our  crosses  as  He  did. 

Does  Jesus  command  us  to  carry  our  crosses? 

Yes,  for  He  says:  “  If  any  one  will  come  after  Me, 
let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow 
Me.” 

Mention  a  type  of  Jesus  carrying  His  own  cross. 

The  patriarch  Isaac,  who  carried  up  to  Mount 
Moria  the  wood  on  which  he  was  to  be  sacrificed,  is  a 
type  of  Jesus  carrying  His  own  cross. 

Did  any  one  express  his  sympathy  for  Christ  on  His 
way  to  Mount  Calvary? 

Yes,  some  pious  women  wept  when  they  saw  Him  in 
so  much  pain. 

What  virtue  did  they  practise? 

They  practised  the  virtue  of  fortitude. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  practised  this  virtue  ? 

We  know  that  they  practised  fortitude  because  the 
soldiers  could  not  prevent  them  from  showing  their 
sympathy  for  Jesus. 

To  which  class  of  virtues  does  fortitude  belong? 

It  is  one  of  the  four  cardinal  virtues. 

What  did  Jesus  say  to  the  women? 

He  said  to  them:  “  Weep  not  for  Me,  but  for  your 
children.” 


Jesus  Dies  on  the  Cross . 


439 


To  what  does  Christ  refer  in  these  words? 

He  refers  to  the  impending  destruction  of  Jeru¬ 
salem. 

Did  Jesus  meet  any  one  else  on  His  journey  to 
Mount  Calvary? 

Yes,  He  met  His  afflicted  Mother. 

Did  the  meeting  cause  Mary  pain? 

Most  certainly,  for  she  saw  her  own  flesh  and 
blood,  whom  she  knew  was  also  her  God,  suffering  the 
most  cruel  torments. 

What  happened  when  Christ  reached  Mount  Cal¬ 
vary? 

When  Christ  reached  Mount  Calvary  He  was  cruci¬ 
fied. 

Why  did  He  choose  to  be  crucified  ? 

He  chose  to  be  crucified  because  He  wished  to  show 
His  great  love  for  us  by  suffering  the  most  painful  and 
disgraceful  death. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  sympathize  with  our 
Mother  of  Sorrows  and  to  have  recourse  to  her  in  all 
our  trouble. 

LXXIX.  JESUS  SPEAKS  THE  SEVEN  LAST 
WORDS  AND  DIES  ON  THE  CROSS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  last  words  of  Jesus  and  His  death  on 
the  cross. 

Who  were  present  when  Jesus  was  crucified? 

Besides  Mary,  St.  John,  and  Mary  Magdalen,  His 
enemies,  the  high  priests,  the  Scribes,  and  the  ancients 
were  present. 


440 


The  New  Testament . 


What  did  His  enemies  do? 

They  mocked  Him. 

What  did  they  say? 

They  said:  “  If  Thou  be  the  Son  of  God  come  down 
from  the  cross  ”;  and  again,  “  He  saved  others,  Himself 
He  cannot  save  ”;  again,  “  If  He  be  the  king  of  Israel, 
let  Him  now  come  dowTn  from  the  cross,  and  we  will 
believe  Him.” 

Against  which  Commandment  did  they  sin? 

They  sinned  against  the  second  Commandment. 

What  does  the  second  Commandment  forbid? 

The  second  Commandment  forbids  all  false,  rash, 
unjust,  and  unnecessary  oaths,  blasphemy,  cursing, 
and  profane  words. 

What  does  “  to  blaspheme  ”  mean? 

“  To  blaspheme  ”  means  to  speak  contemptuously  of 
God  or  His  saints,  or  of  objects  connected  with  His 
service. 

What  did  Jesus  do  while  they  were  blaspheming 
Him? 

While  they  blasphemed  Him  He  prayed  for  them, 
saying,  “  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what 
they  do.” 

What  does  this  prayer  show? 

It  shows:  (1),  That  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God,  for  He 
calls  God  Father;  (2),  That  He  intercedes  for  us  with 
the  Father;  (3),  That  He  loves  His  enemies. 

Name  one  who  did  not  take  part  in  the  blasphemy. 

The  thief  who  was  crucified  on  His  right  hand  did 
not  take  part  in  the  blasphemy. 

What  did  the  thief  on  the  right  do  ? 

(1),  He  took  Christ’s  part  and  reproved  the  thief 
on  the  left  for  his  blasphemy;  (2),  He  acknowledged  his 


Jesus  Dies  on  the  Cross . 


441 


own  guilt;  (3),  He  professed  his  belief  in  Christ’s  inno¬ 
cence;  (4),  He  asked  Christ  to  remember  him  in 
heaven. 

How  did  he  reprove  the  thief  to  the  left  ? 

He  said  to  him:  “  Neither  dost  thou  fear  God.” 

How  did  he  acknowledge  his  own  guilt  ? 

He  said:  “  We  indeed  suffer  justly,  for  we  receive 
the  due  rewards  of  our  deeds.” 

How  did  he  profess  his  belief  in  Christ’s  innocence? 

He  said:  “  But  this  man  hath  done  no  evil.” 

How  did  he  ask  Christ  to  remember  him? 

He  said:  “  Lord,  remember  me  when  Thou  shalt 
have  come  into  Thy  kingdom.” 

Was  his  prayer  heard? 

Yes,  Christ  said  to  him:  “Amen,  I  say  to  thee,  this 
day  thou  shalt  he  with  Me  in  paradise.” 

What  do  these  words  show? 

They  show  Christ’s  great  love  for  sinners,  for  even 
while  He  was  suffering  on  account  of  their  sins  He  was 
ready  to  forgive  them. 

What  does  the  conversion  of  the  penitent  thief 
teach  us? 

It  teaches  us  that  it  is  possible  for  man  to  repent 
even  at  the  last  moment  if  he  co-operates  with  the 
grace  of  God.  . 

To  whom  did  Christ  address  the  third  word  on  the 
cross  ? 

Christ  addressed  the  third  word  to  Mary,  His  divine 
Mother,  and  St.  John. 

What  did  He  say  to  them  ? 

To  Mary  He  said:  “Woman,  behold  thy  son.” 
To  St.  John:  “  Behold  thy  Mother.” 


442 


The  New  Testament. 


What  did  these  words  of  Jesus  show? 

They  showed  His  tender  love  for  His  divine  Mother 
and  His  confidence  in  St.  John. 

Should  we  honor  Mary  more  than  the  other  saints  ? 

Yes,  because  Mary  being  the  Mother  of  God,  is 
above  all  the  saints  and  next  to  God  Himself. 

What  was  the  fourth  word  of  Jesus? 

His  fourth  word  on  the  cross  was:  “  My  God,  My 
God,  why  hast  Thou  forsaken  Me?  ” 

What  do  these  words  express  ? 

They  express  the  most  intense  mental  suffering. 

In  what  did  this  suffering  consist? 

It  consisted  in  the  feeling  that  the  Father  had 
withdrawn  all  consolation  and  comfort  from  Him,  and 
left  Him  to  the  cruel  treatment  of  His  enemies. 

Why  did  Christ  suffer  in  this  way? 

He  suffered  in  this  way:  (1),  To  satisfy  for  the  sins 
of  man,  who  left  God  when  he  broke  His  law;  (2), 
In  order  to  comfort  us  by  His  example  in  our  moments 
of  spiritual  desolation. 

What  was  the  fifth  word  of  Jesus? 

His  fifth  word  on  the  cross  was:  “  I  thirst.” 

What  did  He  wish  to  express  by  these  words  ? 

By  these  words  He  wished  to  express:  (1),  The 
desire  to  quench  the  burning  thirst  that  tortured  His 
body;  (2),  His  thirst  for  the  salvation  of  our  souls. 

What  was  the  sixth  word  of  Jesus  on  the  cross? 

His  sixth  word  was:  “It  is  consummated.” 

What  did  Christ  express  by  these  words? 

By  these  words  He  declared  solemnly  that  the  work 
of  our  Redemption  had  been  accomplished. 


Jesus  Dies  on  the  Cross . 


443 


What  was  the  seventh  word  of  Jesus  on  the  cross? 

His  seventh  word  was:  “ Father,  into  Thy  hands  I 
commend  My  spirit.” 

What  did  He  express  by  these  words  ? 

By  these  words  He  expressed:  (1)?  His  willingness 
to  die;  (2),  He  wished  to  teach  us  that  we  should  die 
with  a  prayer  of  confidence  and  resignation  on  our  lips. 

Was  the  death  of  Jesus  accompanied  by  any  mir¬ 
acles  ? 

Yes,  “  The  veil  of  the  Temple  was  rent  in  two, 
from  the  top  even  unto  the  bottom.” 

What  did  the  rending  of  the  veil  of  the  Temple 
signify  ? 

It  signified:  (1),  That  Jesus  by  His  death  had 
opened  for  mankind  the  gates  of  heaven;  (2),  That  the 
Old  Law  had  passed  away  and  all  its  types  and  figures 
had  been  fulfilled  in  the  New  Law  which  began  with 
the  death  of  Christ. 

Were  there  any  other  miracles? 

Yes,  “  The  earth  quaked  and  the  rocks  were  rent. 
And  the  graves  were  opened,  and  many  bodies  of  the 
saints  that  had  slept,  arose.” 

Why  did  almighty  God  cause  these  things,  so  con¬ 
trary  to  the  laws  of  nature,  to  happen? 

God  caused  these  things  to  happen  to  proclaim  the 
divinity  of  His  Son  and  His  Redemption  of  the  world. 

In  what  light  were  these  miracles  viewed  ? 

We  read  in  the  gospel  of  St.  Matthew  that:  “Now, 
the  centurion  and  they  that  were  with  him  watching 
Jesus,  having  seen  the  earthquake  and  the  things  that 
were  done,  were  sore  afraid,  saying:  Indeed  this  was 
the  Son  of  God.” 


444 


The  New  Testament . 


What  did  Jesus  merit  for  us  by  His  suffering  and 
death  on  the  cross  ? 

By  His  suffering  and  death  on  the  cross  Jesus 
merited  an  infinite  amount  of  graces.  If  we  make  use 
of  them,  we  can  avoid  sin  and  save  our  soul. 

When  do  we  commemorate  Christ’s  death  on  the 
cross  ? 

We  commemorate  Christ’s  death  on  Good  Friday. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  meditate  on  Our  Lord’s 
bitter  Passion,  especially  when  about  to  make  the  act 
of  contrition  before  confession. 


LXXX.  JESUS  IS  LAID  IN  THE  SEPULCHRE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  that  the  body  of  Jesus  was  laid  in  the 
sepulchre,  and  that  the  Jews  got  permission  from 
Pilate  to  place  a  guard  over  it. 

What  happened  to  the  two  thieves  while  they  hung 
on  the  cross? 

Their  bones  were  broken  by  the  soldiers. 

Did  they  do  the  same  to  the  body  of  Jesus? 

No,  a  soldier  pierced  His  side,  whence  flowed  water 
and  blood. 

Was  any  passage  of  Scripture  fulfilled  by  this? 

Yes,  St.  John  tells  us  that  thus  the  passage  of 
Scripture,  “  You  shall  not  break  a  bone  of  Him,”  was 
fulfilled. 

To  what  did  this  passage  of  the  Old  Testament 
refer  ? 

It  referred  to  the  eating  of  the  paschal  lamb. 


Jesus  is  Laid  in  the  Sepulchre, 


445 


What  does  the  flowing  of  water  and  blood  from  the 
side  of  Christ’s  body  prove  ? 

It  proves  that  He  was  really  dead.  The  soldiers 
would  have  broken  the  bones  of  His  legs,  as  they  did 
to  the  thieves,  if  Jesus  had  not  been  dead. 

Of  what  are  the  blood  and  water  a  type? 

They  are  a  type  of  the  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and 
Holy  Eucharist. 

What  did  the  piercing  of  the  heart  of  Jesus  reveal? 

It  revealed  His  great  love  for  us. 

Which  month  is  dedicated  to  the  Sacred  Heart  ? 

The  month  of  June  is  dedicated  to  the  Sacred 
Heart. 

Has  this  devotion  been  approved  by  the  Church  ? 

Yes,  it  has  been  repeatedly  approved  by  the 
Church. 

What  happened  to  the  body  of  Jesus  after  His 
death  ? 

After  His  death  the  body  of  Jesus  was  taken  down 
from  the  cross,  embalmed,  and  placed  in  a  sepulchre. 

How  did  this  happen  ? 

Joseph  of  Arimathea  went  to  Pilate  and  obtained 
from  him  permission  to  bury  the  body  of  Our  Lord  in 
his  own  sepulchre. 

Did  any  one  else  assist  him  in  this  pious  office  ? 

Yes,  Nicodemus,  Mary,  and  the  holy  women  assisted 
him. 

What  was  done  after  the  body  of  Jesus  was  laid  in 
the  sepulchre? 

The  sepulchre  was  closed,  a  large  stone  was 
rolled  before  it,  and  a  guard  of  soldiers  was  placed  to 
watch  it. 


446 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  did  Pilate  place  a  guard  over  the  sepulchre? 

He  did  this  at  the  request  of  the  Jews. 

What  did  the  Jews  say  to  Pilate? 

They  said  to  him:  “  Sir,  we  have  remembered  that 
that  seducer  said,  while  He  was  yet  alive,  After  three 
days  I  will  rise  again.  Command,  therefore,  the 
sepulchre  to  be  guarded  until  the  third  day,  lest  per¬ 
haps  Ilis  disciples  come  and  steal  Him  away  and  say  to 
the  people  He  is  risen  from  the  dead.” 

Why  did  the  Pharisees  wish  to  keep  Christ’s  body 
in  the  sepulchre  and,  as  they  thought,  thereby  prevent 
His  Resurrection  from  the  dead? 

They  wished  thereby  to  destroy  all  faith  in  Jesus 
as  the  Messias. 

Would  they  have  succeeded  in  their  design  had  not 
Jesus  risen  from  the  dead? 

Yes,  for  that  would  have  proven  that  He  was  an 
impostor;  He  would  have  failed  to  keep  His  word,  to 
rise  from  the  dead  on  the  third  day. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  practise  the  corporal 
works  of  mercy. 

LXXXI.  THE  RESURRECTION  OF  CHRIST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  arose,  as  He  had  promised, 
glorious  and  triumphant  from  the  dead  on  the  third 
day. 

How  do  we  know  that  Christ  arose  from  the  dead  ? 

We  know  that  Christ  arose  from  the  dead:  (1), 
From  the  testimony  of  the  angels  at  the  sepulchre; 
(2),  From  the  testimony  of  the  holy  women  and  the 


447 


The  Resurrection  of  Christ . 

Apostles;  (3),  From  the  silence  of  the  Pharisees,  who 
certainly  would  have  contradicted  the  Apostles,  if  they 
could,  when  they  preached  that  Jesus  had  risen  from 
the  dead. 

Was  it  necessary  for  Jesus  to  arise  from  the  dead? 

Yes,  (1),  In  order  that  all  the  types  and  prophecies 
concerning  His  Kesurrection  might  be  fulfilled;  (2), 
To  prove  that  He  is  the  Son  of  God;  (3),  To  crown 
the  work  of  the  Redemption. 

What  type  of  the  Old  Testament  was  fulfilled  by 
the  Resurrection? 

The  type  of  the  prophet  J onas,  who  was  three  days 
in  the  whale’s  belly,  was  fulfilled  by  the  Resurrection. 

Mention  some  of  the  prophecies  that  were  fulfilled 
by  the  Resurrection. 

The  following  prophecies  were  fulfilled  by  the 
Resurrection:  (1),  The  prophecy  of  David,  “  Nor  wilt 
Thou  give  Thy  Holy  One  to  see  corruption;  ”  (2),  The 
prophecy  of  Our  Lord  Himself,  “  I  am  able  to  destroy 
the  temple  of  God  and  in  three  days  rebuild  it.” 

How  does  the  Resurrection  prove  that  Christ  is  the 
Son  of  God? 

Christ  by  His  own  power  arose  from  the  dead. 
Only  God  or  one  sent  by  God  could  do  this.  Now  if 
Christ  was  sent  by  God  He  must  needs  tell  the  truth, 
hence  when  He  said  that  He  is  the  Son  of  God  we  must 
believe  Him.  Therefore  in  either  case  the  Resurrec¬ 
tion  proves  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God. 

How  does  the  Resurrection  crown  and  perfect  the 
work  of  the  Redemption  ? 

By  His  death  Christ  merited  the  resurrection  of  all; 
by  His  own  Resurrection  He  became  the  model  of  the 
resurrection  of  all  the  just. 


448 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  is  Christ’s  Resurrection  the  model  of  the  resur¬ 
rection  of  the  just? 

The  just  are  members  of  the  mystical  body  of 
Christ.  Now  if  the  head  has  arisen  from  the  dead,  the 
same  privilege  is  due  the  members. 

How  did  the  Resurrection  take  place? 

The  soul  of  Christ  was  united  to  His  glorified  body. 

Where  was  the  soul  of  Christ  during  the  time  that 
elapsed  from  His  death  to  His  Resurrection? 

His  soul  was  in  Limbo. 

Why  did  His  soul  descend  into  Limbo? 

His  soul  descended  into  Limbo,  to  announce  to  the 
departed  just  the  glad  tidings  of  their  Redemption. 

Which  are  the  qualities  of  a  glorified  body? 

The  qualities  of  a  glorified  body  are  four:  (1),  Im¬ 
passibility,  it  cannot  suffer;  (2),  Brightness,  it  will  shine 
like  the  sun;  (3),  Agility,  it  will  not  be  pressed  down 
by  the  burdens  of  this  life,  but  will  be  able  to  move 
from  place  to  place  with  the  greatest  speed;  (4),  Subtil¬ 
ity,  it  will  be  under  the  absolute  control  of  the  soul. 

Is  it  right  that  the  body  also  should  rise  again? 

Yes,  it  is  right  that  the  body,  too,  which  either 
served  God  or  the  devil  in  this  life,  should  receive  its 
reward  or  punishment  in  the  life  to  come. 

On  what  day  do  we  commemorate  the  Resurrection 
of  Christ? 

We  commemorate  the  Resurrection  of  Christ  on 
Easter  Sunday. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  lead  a  new  life  free  from 
sin,  so  that  one  day  we  may  partake  of  the  glories  of 
Christ  our  Model,  by  having  our  soul  united  to  our 
glorified  body  for  all  eternity. 


Jesus  Appears  to  Alary  Alagdalen  and  St.  Peter.  449 


LXXXII.  JESUS  APPEARS  TO  MARY 
MAGDALEN  AND  ST.  PETER. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Our  Lord,  after  His  Resurrection, 
appeared  first  to  Mary  Magdalen  and  then  to  St.  Peter. 

Of  what  is  His  appearance  a  proof  ? 

It  is  a  new  proof  of  His  Resurrection. 

Why  did  Mary  Magdalen  return  to  the  sepulchre? 

She  returned  to  the  sepulchre  because  she  loved 
Our  Lord. 

Why  did  she  weep? 

She  wept  because  she  did  not  know  what  had 
become  of  Our  Lord’s  body. 

Whom  did  Mary  see  at  the  sepulchre? 

She  saw  two  angels. 

What  did  they  say  to  her? 

They  asked  her  why  she  wept. 

What  did  she  answer? 

She  answered:  “  Because  they  have  taken  away  my 
Lord,  and  I  know  not  where  they  have  laid  Him.” 

What  happened  while  she  was  speaking  to  the 
angels  ? 

While  she  was  speaking  to  the  angels  Our  Lord 
appeared  to  her. 

Did  she  recognize  Him  at  once  ? 

No,  she  thought  He  was  the  gardener. 

How  was  it  possible  for  her  to  make  this  mistake  ? 

It  was  either  because  Christ  had  assumed  the  figure 
and  dress  of  the  gardener,  or  because  she  was  so  en¬ 
grossed  in  her  loss  that  she  did  not  look  closely. 


450 


The  New  Testament . 


How  did  Jesus  address  her? 

He  uttered  the  one  word:  “  Mary.” 

What  did  this  word  express  ? 

It  expressed  Christ’s  satisfaction  with,  and  His 
desire  to  console  Mary  Magdalen. 

How  did  it  express  His  satisfaction  with  Mary 
Magdalen? 

Our  Lord  meant  to  say  by  this  word:  “Mary,  I 
recognize  your  love  for  Me  by  your  tears.  See  how  I 
reward  you.” 

How  did  it  express  His  desire  to  console  her? 

Our  Lord  meant  to  say:  “  Mary,  weep  not;  be  of 
good  cheer,  for  you  see  that  I  live.” 

What  did  Mary  do  ? 

She  cast  herself  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  and  uttered 
the  one  word,  “  Master.” 

Did  Jesus  give  any  commission  to  her? 

Yes,  He  said  to  her:  “  Go  to  My  brethren  and  say 
to  them:  I  ascend  to  My  Father  and  your  Father,  to 
My  God  and  your  God.” 

Who  were  the  brethren  referred  to  ? 

They  were  the  Apostles. 

Why  did  He  send  Mary  to  the  Apostles? 

He  sent  her:  (1),  To  comfort  them  in  their  grief; 
(2),  To  show  His  particular  love  for  the  men  who  were 
to  he  the  foundation  of  His  Church. 

Did  He  appear  to  any  of  the  Apostles  on  the  day  of 
His  Resurrection? 

Yes,  He  appeared  to  St.  Peter. 

Why  did  He  appear  to  St.  Peter  before  the  other 
Apostles  ? 

He  appeared  to  St.  Peter  first:  (1),  To  show  him 


Jesus  Appears  to  Two  of  Ills  Disciples,  451 

that  He  had  forgiven  his  sin;  (2),  To  confirm  the  faith 
of  him  who  was  to  confirm  the  other  Apostles;  (3),  To 
strengthen  the  authority  of  him  who  was  to  be  the 
visible  head  of  His  Church. 

Was  Mary  Magdalen  the  first  one  to  whom  Christ 
appeared  ? 

She  is  the  first  of  whom  it  is  recorded,  hut  we  have 
every  reason  to  believe  that  He  appeared  first  to  His 
divine  Mother,  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

What  attributes  does  Jesus  manifest  in  this  lesson? 

He  manifests  in  it  His  sympathy  for  the  afflicted, 
and  His  love  for  the  penitent  sinner. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  not  to  worry  about  re¬ 
pented  sins. 

LXXXIII.  JESUS  APPEALS  TO  TWO  OF  HIS 
DISCIPLES  OX  THE  WAY  TO  EMMAUS. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  Jesus  appeared  to  two  of  His  dis¬ 
ciples  on  the  way  to  Emmaus,  that  He  instructed  them 
in  their  faith,  sat  down  with  them  to  table  and  gave 
them  holy  communion. 

Where  was  Emmaus? 

Emmaus  was  about  ten  miles  west  of  Jerusalem. 

What  were  the  feelings  of  the  disciples  when  Jesus 
met  them  ? 

They  were  very  sad. 

Why  were  they  sad? 

They  were  sad  because:  (1),  Their  divine  Master 
had  died  on  the  cross;  (2),  Because  apparently  His 
enemies  had  prevailed  over  Him,  and  His  mission  had 
been  in  vain. 


452 


The  New  Testament. 


How  did  Jesus  comfort  them? 

Jesus  comforted  them  in  the  following  manner: 
(1),  He  told  them  that  Christ’s  Passion  and  death  was 
not  a  misfortune  but  a  blessing;  (2),  That  He  had 
really  risen  from  the  dead. 

Had  the  faith  of  the  disciples  all  the  qualities 
necessary? 

Ho,  their  faith  was  not  universal. 

When  is  our  faith  universal? 

Our  faith  is  universal  when  we  believe  all  that  God 
has  revealed. 

How  do  we  know  that  their  faith  was  not  uni¬ 
versal  ? 

We  know  that  their  faith  was  not  universal  because 
they  were  willing  to  believe  all  the  prophecies  concern¬ 
ing  the  glory  of  the  Messias,  but  failed  to  believe  what 
had  been  foretold  of  His  suffering  and  death. 

Did  Jesus  censure  them? 

Yes;  He  said  to  them:  “  0  foolish,  and  slow  of  heart 
to  believe  in  all  things  which  the  prophets  have 
spoken.  Ought  not  Christ  to  have  suffered  these 
things  and  so  enter  into  His  glory?  ” 

What  did  Jesus  do  when  the  disciples  reached  the 
end  of  their  journey? 

Our  Lord  was  about  to  leave  them  and  continue  His 
journey,  but  they  insisted  that  He  should  remain  with 
them,  as  the  day  was  far  spent. 

Would  Christ  have  continued  His  journey  had  the 
disciples  not  asked  Him  to  remain  with  them? 

Yes,  in  all  probability  He  would  have  gone  on. 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Sacrament  of  Penance.  453 

What  does  this  show  us? 

It  shows  us  that  we  must  pray  and  persevere  in 
prayer  if  we  wish  to  obtain  favors  from  Our  Lord. 

What  happened  then? 

Christ  sat  down  to  table  with  them,  took  bread  and 
blessed  it,  and  gave  it  to  them. 

What  do  many  of  the  Fathers  teach  concerning 
the  “  blessing  and  breaking  of  bread  ”  on  this  occasion  ? 

Many  of  the  Fathers  teach  that  it  was  the  Holy 
Eucharist. 

Did  the  disciples  then  recognize  Christ? 

Yes,  they  recognized  Christ. 

What  did  they  do  at  once? 

They  returned  at  once  to  Jerusalem  and  reported 
to  the  Apostles  that  they  had  seen  the  Lord,  and 
“knew  Him  in  the  breaking  of  the  bread.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  listen  with  attention 
to  the  word  of  God  when  we  hear  it  in  Catechism  or 
sermons. 


LXXXIY.  JESUS  APPEARS  TO  THE  AS¬ 
SEMBLED  APOSTLES  AXD  INSTITUTES 
THE  SACRAMENT  OF  PENANCE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  Christ  convinced  all  His 
Apostles  that  He  had  really  risen  from  the  dead;  and 
(2),  That  He  instituted  the  Sacrament  of  Penance. 

How  did  He  convince  the  Apostles  that  He  had 
really  risen? 

He  spoke  to  them,  ate  with  them,  showed  them 


454 


The  New  Testament. 


His  hands  and  feet  and  the  marks  of  the  nails  and  the 
wound  in  His  side. 

Why  did  Christ  wish  to  give  the  Apostles  a  striking 
proof  of  His  Resurrection? 

Christ  wished  to  give  the  Apostles  a  striking  proof 
of  His  Resurrection  because  the  Apostles  were  to 
preach  this  truth  to  Jew  and  Gentile. 

Did  the  Apostles  testify  to  this  truth? 

Yes,  St.  Peter  on  the  first  Pentecost  preached  to 
the  Jews  about  Jesus  “  whom  God  had  raised  to  life.’’ 

What  did  Jesus  do  after  He  had  convinced  the 
Apostles  that  He  had  really  risen  from  the  dead? 

After  Jesus  had  convinced  the  Apostles  that  He 
had  risen  from  the  dead  He  gave  them  the  power  to 
forgive  sins. 

Could  the  Apostles  exercise  this  power  just  as  they 
pleased  ? 

No,  they  were  to  forgive  the  sins  of  the  worthy,  and 
retain  the  sins  of  the  unworthy. 

Who  was  to  judge  of  the  worthiness  of  the 
sinners? 

The  Apostles  themselves  were  to  judge. 

How  could  the  Apostles  judge  of  the  worthiness  of 
the  penitent? 

Only  in  one  way  could  the  Apostles  judge  of  the 
worthiness  of  the  penitent,  when  the  penitent  would 
make  known  to  them  the  condition  of  his  soul. 

How  was  he  to  make  known  the  condition  of  his 
soul? 

He  was  to  make  known  the  condition  of  his  soul  by 
confession. 


Jesus  Institutes  the  Sacrament  of  Penance,  455 

Who  instituted  confession? 

Jesus  Christ  Himself  instituted  confession. 

Of  what  sacrament  is  confession  a  part? 

Confession  is  a  part  of  the  Sacrament  of  Penance. 

What  is  the  Sacrament  of  Penance? 

Penance  is  a  sacrament  which  remits  the  sins  com¬ 
mitted  after  Baptism. 

Which  are  the  chief  qualities  of  a  good  confession? 

The  chief  qualities  of  a  good  confession  are  three; 
it  must  be  humble,  sincere,  and  entire. 

What  else  belongs  to  the  Sacrament  of  Penance? 

Examination  of  conscience,  contrition,  and  firm 
purpose  of  amendment  also  belong  to  the  Sacrament  of 
Penance. 

Which  is  the  most  important  part  of  the  Sacrament 
of  Penance? 

Contrition  or  sorrow  for  our  sins  is  the  most  im¬ 
portant  part  of  the  Sacrament  of  Penance. 

Why  is  contrition  the  most  important  part  ? 

Contrition  is  the  most  important  part  because  God 
does  not  forgive  any  mortal  sins  in  an  adult  without 
some  contrition. 

How  did  Christ  institute  the  Sacrament  of  Pen¬ 
ance? 

Our  Lord  breathed  on  the  Apostles  and  said: 
“  Keceive  ye  the  Holy  Ghost,  whose  sins  you  shall  for¬ 
give,  they  are  forgiven  them:  and  whose  sins  you  shall 
retain,  they  are  retained.” 

Did  Jesus  wish  that  others  beside  the  Apostles 
should  exercise  this  power? 

Yes,  He  wished  that  their  successors,  the  bishops 
and  priests  of  the  Catholic  Church,  should  exercise  the 
power  to  forgive  sins. 


456 


The  New  Testament. 


How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  this  because  He  conferred  the  power  for 
the  benefit  of  the  members  of  His  Church  in  particular 
and  all  men  in  general.  So  there  must  be,  in  accord¬ 
ance  with  the  wish  of  Christ,  some  one  in  the  Church 
to  exercise  this  power  as  long  as  it  exists. 

Was  Thomas  present  when  Our  Lord  appeared? 

No,  but  the  other  Apostles  told  him  of  it. 

Did  he  believe  them? 

No,  he  did  not  believe  them. 

How  did  Jesus  convince  him? 

He  appeared  again  when  Thomas  was  present  and 
showed  him  the  imprints  of  the  nails  and  made  him  put 
his  hand  into  His  open  side. 

What  did  Christ  say  after  Thomas  expressed  his 
belief  in  Our  Lord? 

He  said:  “  Because  thou  hast  seen  Me,  Thomas, 
thou  hast  believed;  blessed  are  they  that  have  not  seen 
and  have  believed/’ 

Why  did  Jesus  retain  the  five  wounds  on  His  glori¬ 
fied  body? 

He  retained  them:  (1),  As  marks  of  His  victory  over 
Satan  and  death;  (2),  As  a  proof  that  He  had  risen 
with  the  same  body  which  was  crucified.  St.  Ambrose 
gives  a  third  reason:  As  a  perpetual  reminder  to  the 
heavenly  Father  of  the  price  of  our  Redemption. 

What  sin  did  St.  Thomas  commit? 

He  committed  a  sin  against  faith. 

Did  St.  Thomas  repent  of  his  sin? 

Yes,  as  soon  as  he  was  convinced  that  it  was  Our 
Lord  he  humbly  expressed  his  sorrow  for  his  sin  and 
his  belief  in  Christ  by  the  words,  “  My  Lord  and  my 
God!” 


Jesus  Makes  St.  Peter  the  Supreme  Pastor.  457 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  believe  firmly  all  that 
the  Church  proposes  for  our  belief. 

LXXXY.  JESUS  MAKES  ST.  PETER  THE 
SUPREME  PASTOR  OF  HIS  FLOCK. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  Jesus  appeared  on  the  Lake  of 
Genesareth;  (2),  The  miraculous  draught  of  fishes;  (3), 
The  conferring  of  the  supreme  pastorship  on  St.  Peter; 
(4),  The  prophecy  of  the  death  of  St.  Peter. 

What  were  the  Apostles  doing  when  Jesus  appeared 
to  them? 

They  were  fishing. 

Had  they  been  successful? 

No,  they  had  not  been  successful. 

What  did  Jesus  command  them  to  do? 

He  commanded  them  to  cast  their  net  on  the  right 
side  of  the  boat.  They  obeyed  and  caught  such  a  great 
multitude  of  fish  that  the  net  was  broken. 

Had  this  miraculous  draught  of  fishes  a  symbolical 
meaning  ? 

Yes,  it  signified  the  mission  of  St.  Peter  and  the 
other  Apostles  to  fish  for  the  souls  of  men.  It  also 
signified  the  futility  of  their  own  efforts  unless  blessed 
by  the  grace  of  Christ. 

What  dignity  did  Christ  confer  upon  St.  Peter  on 
this  occasion? 

He  made  him  the  chief  of  the  Apostles  and  the 
Primate  of  His  whole  Church. 

Did  Jesus  hint  in  any  way  that  He  was  going  to 
confer  this  dignity  on  St.  Peter? 

Yes,  (1),  By  changing  his  name  from  Simon  to 


458 


The  New  Testament. 


Peter;  (2),  By  the  preference  which  He  always  showed 
him. 

How  did  this  preference  manifest  itself? 

This  preference  manifested  itself  in  the  following 
manner:  He  paid  the  Temple  tax  for  St.  Peter;  lie  took 
him  with  two  other  Apostles  to  Mount  Thabor  to  wit¬ 
ness  1 1  is  Transfiguration;  He  prayed  especially  for  him; 
He  preached  from  h is  boat;  and  He  began  the  washing 
of  the  feet  at  the  Last  Supper  with  St.  Peter. 

But  did  not  Christ  expressly  promise  to  confer  this 
dignity  on  St.  Peter? 

Yes,  Christ  promised  to  confer  this  dignity  on  St. 
Peter  when  He  said  to  him:  “Thou  art  Peter,  and 
upon  this  rock  I  will  build  My  Church,  and  the  gates 
of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  And  I  will  give  to 
thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  whatso- 
ever  thou  shalt  bind  upon  earth  it  shall  be  bound  also 
in  heaven,  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  upon  earth 
it  shall  be  loosed  also  in  heaven.” 

When  did  Jesus  fulfil  His  promise? 

Jesus  fulfilled  II is  promise  on  this  occasion  when 
He  said  to  St.  Peter:  “  Feed  My  lambs,  feed  My  sheep.” 

Was  the  whole  flock  entrusted  to  the  care  of  St. 
Peter? 

Yes,  the  lambs,  who  are  the  hearing  Church,  and 
the  sheep,  who  are  the  teaching  Church,  were  entrusted 
to  St.  Peter. 

What  was  the  position  of  St.  Peter  in  the  Church  of 
Christ  ? 

St.  Peter  was  the  visible  head  of  the  Church. 

Has  St.  Peter  any  successors  in  this  office? 

Yes,  the  Popes,  the  bishops  of  Pome,  are  the  sue- 


Jesus  Promises  the  Holy  Ghost  to  the  Apostles.  459 

cessors  of  St.  Peter  and  the  visible  head  of  the  Church 
on  earth. 

Why  is  a  visible  head  of  the  Church  necessary? 

The  Church  is  a  visible  institution.  Every  visible 
society  must  have  a  visible  head. 

How  did  Jesus  foretell  the  martyrdom  of  St.  Peter? 

He  said  to  St.  Peter:  “  When  thou  shalt  be  old  thou 
shalt  stretch  forth  thy  hands  and  another  shall  gird 
thee  and  lead  thee  whither  thou  wouldst  not.” 

Was  the  manner  of  his  martyrdom  foretold? 

Yes,  it  was  foretold  by  the  words,  “  Thou  shalt 
stretch  forth  thy  hands.” 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  martyrdom  of  St.  Peter? 

We  celebrate  the  martyrdom  of  St.  Peter  on  the 
twenty-ninth  of  June. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  respect  and  obey  our 
holy  father  the  Pope,  the  successor  of  St.  Peter. 

LXXXVI.  JESITS  PROMISES  THE  HOLY  GHOST 

TO  THE  APOSTLES,  SENDS  THEM  OUT  TO 

PREACH  TO  THE  WHOLE  WORLD,  AND 

ASCENDS  INTO  HEAVEN. 

How  many  events  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  three:  (1),  That  Jesus,  forty  days  after 
His  Resurrection,  promised  to  send  the  Holy  Ghost  on 
the  Apostles;  (2),  That  He  conferred  a  three-fold  office 
on  them;  (3),  That  He  ascended  into  heaven  in  the 
presence  of  His  Apostles. 

When  did  He  promise  them  the  Holy  Ghost? 

He  promised  them  the  Holy  Ghost  when  He  said: 


460 


The  New  Testament . 


“  You  shall  receive  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
coming  upon  you,  and  you  shall  be  witnesses  unto  Me 
in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Judea  and  Samaria,  and  even 
to  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth.” 

Why  did  He  send  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the 
Apostles  ? 

He  sent  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the  Apostles  to 
strengthen  them  to  give  testimony  of  Him. 

How  did  the  Apostles  testify? 

They  testified  by  preaching  and  working  miracles. 

What  was  the  nature  of  the  office  that  Christ  con¬ 
ferred  on  the  Apostles? 

It  was  a  three-fold  office.  The  office  of  teacher, 
priest,  and  king. 

What  does  this  three-fold  office  imply? 

It  implies  the  right  to  teach,  to  offer  sacrifice,  to 
administer  the  sacraments,  and  to  rule. 

When  did  He  confer  the  office  of  teacher? 

He  conferred  the  office  of  teacher  when  He  said; 
“  Go  forth,  teaching  all  nations.” 

When  did  He  confer  the  office  of  priest? 

He  conferred  the  office  of  priest  when  He  said: 
“  Do  this  for  a  commemoration  of  Me,”  at  the  Last 
Supper,  and  when  He  said:  “  Baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.” 

When  did  He  confer  the  office  of  king? 

He  conferred  the  office  of  king  when  He  said: 
“  Teach  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you.” 


Jesus  Promises  the  Holy  Ghost  to  the  Apostles .  461 

Did  Jesus  intend  that  this  office  should  be  trans¬ 
mitted  to  others? 

Yes,  He  intended  that  it  should  be  transmitted  to 
the  successors  of  the  Apostles. 

How  do  you  prove  this? 

We  prove  it  from  the  words  of  Christ:  “  Teach  all 
nations,  and  behold  I  shall  he  with  you  all  days,  even 
unto  the  consummation  of  the  world.” 

What  follows  from  these  words  of  Christ? 

It  follows  that  either  the  Apostles  or  their  office 
will  live  till  the  end  of  the  world:  Now  we  know  that 
all  the  Apostles  died.  Therefore  their  office  must 
exist  till  the  end  of  time. 

What  did  Jesus  do  then? 

He  ascended  into  heaven. 

What  does  His  Ascension  into  heaven  prove? 

It  proves  that  He  is  God,  because  He  ascended  into 
heaven  by  His  own  power. 

Why  did  He  ascend  into  heaven? 

He  ascended  into  heaven:  (1),  To  take  possession 
“  of  the  throne  of  glory  and  the  kingdom  which  He 
purchased  at  the  price  of  His  blood  ”  (Catechism  of 
Trent);  (2),  To  intercede  for  us;  (3),  To  prepare  there 
a  dwelling-place  for  us. 

Is  the  Ascension  an  article  of  faith? 

Yes,  it  is  the  sixth  article  of  the  Apostles’  Creed. 

When  do  we  celebrate  the  Ascension  of  Christ? 

We  celebrate  the  Ascension  of  Christ  on  Ascension 
Thursday,  ten  days  after  Pentecost. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  live  so  that  we  may  one 


462 


The  New  Testament . 


day  take  possession  of  the  place  that  Christ  has  pre¬ 
pared  for  us  in  heaven. 

LXXXVII.  THE  ELECTION  OF  MATTHIAS  AND 
THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  three  things:  (1),  The  election  of  St. 
Matthias  as  Apostle  to  take  the  place  of  Judas;  (2), 
The  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  (3),  The  first  sermon 
of  St.  Peter. 

Did  the  Apostles  practise  any  virtues  on  this  occa¬ 
sion? 

Yes,  they  practised:  (1),  Obedience;  (2),  Confidence; 
(3),  Piety;  (4),  Brotherly  Love. 

How  do  we  know  that  they  practised  the  virtue  of 
obedience? 

We  know  that  they  practised  obedience  because 
they  obeyed  the  command  of  Christ  to  go  to  Jerusa¬ 
lem,  and  there  await  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Whence  do  we  know  that  they  practised  the  other 
virtues  ? 

We  know  that  they  practised  the  other  virtues 
from  the  words  of  St.  Luke  in  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles:  “They  were  persevering  (confidence),,  with 
one  mind  (brotherly  love)  in  prayer  (piety).” 

Did  St.  Peter  assert  his  Primacy  at  the  election  of 
St.  Matthias? 

Yes,  St.  Peter  did  assert  his  Primacy  at  the  election 
of  St.  Matthias. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  it  because  St.  Peter  arose  and  showed  the 
Apostles  how  the  prophecies  had  been  fulfilled  in 


The  Descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  463 

Judas,  and  spoke  of  the  necessity  of  choosing  another 
in  his  plape. 

Did  the  Apostles  acknowledge  the  Primacy  of  St. 
Peter? 

Yes,  for  they  obeyed  him,  and  chose  St.  Matthias. 

When  did  the  Holy  Ghost  come  down  upon  the 
Apostles? 

The  Holy  Ghost  came  down  upon  the  Apostles  on 
Pentecost,  ten  days  after  the  Ascension. 

Who  is  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

The  Holy  Ghost  is  the  third  person  of  the  Blessed 
Trinity. 

Why  did  Christ  send  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the 
Apostles  ? 

Christ  sent  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the  Apostles  to 
strengthen  them  in  the  discharge  of  their  three-fold 
office  of  teacher,  priest,  and  king. 

How  did  the  Holy  Ghost  assist  them  in  the  dis¬ 
charge  of  their  office  of  teacher? 

The  Holy  Ghost  assisted  them  in  their  office  of 
teacher  by  preventing  them  from  preaching  anything 
contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  Christ. 

How  did  He  assist  them  in  the  office  of  priest? 

The  Holy  Ghost  assisted  them  in  the  office  of 
priest  by  sanctifying  the  souls  of  those  to  whom  they 
administered  the  sacraments. 

How  did  He  assist  them  in  the  office  of  king  ? 

He  assisted  them  in  the  office  of  king  by  giving 
them  wisdom  to  govern  the  Church,  and  strength  to 
repel  the  attacks  of  her  enemies. 


464: 


The  New  Testament. 


Was  the  efficacy  of  the  Holy  Ghost  expressed  out¬ 
wardly  ? 

Yes,  for  the  Holy  Ghost  descended  in  the  form  of 
fiery  tongues. 

What  are  the  properties  of  fire  ? 

Fire  gives  light,  warmth,  and  purifies. 

What  do  the  tongues  signify? 

The  tongues  signify  the  grace  which  the  Apostles 
received  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  all  nations. 

Did  this  grace  prove  efficacious  at  once  ? 

Yes,  this  grace  proved  efficacious  at  once  in  the 
sermon  of  St.  Peter. 

% 

How  did  it  prove  efficacious? 

Immediately  after  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
St.  Peter  preached  to  a  great  multitude  of  many 
different  nationalities.  And  three  thousand  of  them 
were  converted  at  once. 

When  did  he  preach  this  sermon  ? 

He  preached  it  on  Pentecost. 

So  what  is  Pentecost? 

Pentecost  is  not  only  the  day  on  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  came  down  upon  the  Apostles,  hut  it  is  also  the 
day  on  which  the  Church  made  its  first  public  appear¬ 
ance. 

Does  the  Holy  Ghost  continue  His  work  in  the 
Church  ? 

Yes,  the  Holy  Ghost  still  continues  to  teach, 
govern,  and  sanctify  the  Church. 


St.  Peter  Cures  a  Man  Born  Lame.  465 


LXXXVHL  ST.  PETER  CURES  A  MAN  WHO 

WAS  BORN  LAME.— HE  AND  ST.  JOHN  ARE 

BROUGHT  BEFORE  THE  COUNCIL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates:  (1),  That  St.  Peter  cured  instantly  a  man 
who  was  horn  lame;  (2),  That  St.  Peter  and  St.  John 
were  brought  before  the  Council. 

Where  was  the  lame  man  cured  ? 

The  lame  man  was  cured  at  a  gate  of  the  Temple, 
called  the  Beautiful  Gate. 

How  did  he  come  to  be  there  ? 

He  was  brought  there  daily  to  beg  alms  from  the 
passers-by. 

Did  he  ask  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  for  alms? 

Yes,  he  asked  them  for  alms. 

What  did  St.  Peter  say  to  him? 

St.  Peter  said  to  him:  “  Silver  and  gold  I  have 
none;  but  what  I  have  I  give  thee:  In  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  arise  and  walk.” 

Was  the  lame  man  cured? 

Yes,  he  was  cured  at  once. 

What  does  this  miracle  prove? 

It  proves  that  Jesus  is  God,  because  in  His  name 
the  miracle  was  wrought;  also  that  the  doctrine  which 
St.  Peter  preached  is  divine. 

How  does  it  prove  that  His  doctrine  is  divine  ? 

St.  Peter  performed  this  miracle  to  confirm  the 
truth  of  what  he  was  going  to  preach.  Now  God  can- 


466 


The  New  Testament. 


not  give  His  approbation  to  a  false  doctrine  by  allow¬ 
ing  a  miracle  to  be  performed  in  His  name. 

How  did  the  people  receive  this  miracle? 

They  were  filled  with  amazement. 

Did  St.  Peter  seize  this  opportunity  to  preach  to 
the  people? 

Yes,  he  began  at  once  to  preach  to  the  people. 

What  did  he  say  to  them? 

He  told  them:  (1),  That  he  did  not  perform  the 
miracle  by  his  own  power,  but  by  the  power  of  the 
One  whom  they  had  crucified;  (2),  He  admitted  that 
they  had  crucified  Him  through  ignorance;  (3),  He 
urged  them  to  do  penance. 

Was  his  sermon  successful? 

Yes;  five  thousand  were  baptized. 

But  what  effect  did  the  miracle  have  upon  the  Jew¬ 
ish  priests? 

They  laid  hands  on  St.  Peter  and  St.  John,  cast 
them  into  prison,  and  the  following  day  had  them 
brought  before  the  Council. 

What  did  the  chief  priests  and  Ancients  say  to 
them? 

They  said:  “  By  what  power  or  by  whose  name  have 
you  done  this?  ” 

What  did  St.  Peter  answer? 

He  said  that  he  had  performed  the  miracle  by  the 
power  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Were  the  Apostles  punished? 

No,  but  they  were  commanded  not  to  preach  again. 

Did  the  Apostles  obey? 

No,  they  said  that  they  had  to  obey  God  before 
man. 


Ananias  and  Saphira. 


467 


What  do  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  learn  from  it  to  profess  our  faith  courageously, 
and  to  be  always  ready  to  suffer  for  it. 


LXXXIX.  ANANIAS  AND  SAPHIRA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  The  life  of  the  early  Christians;  (2), 
The  sin  and  punishment  of  Ananias  and  Saphira. 

Which  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  the  early 
Christians  ? 

The  characteristic  virtues  of  the  early  Christians 
were  principally  two:  (1),  Union;  (2),  Brotherly  love. 

How  do  we  know  that  there  was  a  close  union 
among  them  ? 

We  know  this  from  the  words  of  St.  Luke  in  the 
Acts  of  the  Apostles.  He  tells  us  that  they  were  “  one 
heart  and  one  soul.7’ 

What  proof  have  we  of  their  brotherly  love? 

St.  Luke  tells  us  again  in  the  Acts  that  they  sold 
their  goods  and  laid  the  proceeds  at  the  feet  of  the 
Apostles  to  be  equally  divided  among  all. 

Of  how  many  sins  were  Ananias  and  Saphira  guilty  ? 

They  were  guilty  of  two  sins:  of  lying  and  hy¬ 
pocrisy. 

What  is  a  lie  ? 

A  lie  is  the  telling  of  something  we  know  to  be 
untrue. 

When  are  we  guilty  of  hypocrisy? 

We  are  guilty  of  hypocrisy  when  we  pretend  to  be 
better  than  we  really  are. 


468 


The  New  Testament. 


How  were  Ananias  and  Saphira  guilty  of  these  sins? 

They  sold  a  piece  of  land,  but  brought  only  a  part 
of  the  price  to  the  Apostles,  and  when  they  were  ques¬ 
tioned  they  said  it  was  all  they  had  received. 

Did  St.  Peter  know  that  they  were  trying  to  deceive 
him? 

Yes,  St.  Peter  knew  that  they  were  trying  to  de¬ 
ceive  him. 

What  did  he  say  to  Ananias? 

He  said:  “  Why  hast  thou  conceived  this  thing  in 
thy  heart?  Thou  hast  not  lied  to  men,  hut  to  God.” 

In  how  far  was  it  true  that  Ananias  had  lied  to  the 
Holy  Ghost? 

Ananias,  like  the  other  members  of  the  Church, 
should  have  known  that  St.  Peter  was  equipped  with 
extraordinary  supernatural  power,  and  that  he  was  in¬ 
spired  and  guided  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  So  any  attempt 
to  lie  to  him  would  be  equivalent  to  lying  to  the  One 
he  represented,  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Were  they  punished? 

Yes,  they  were  punished  with  instant  death. 

Is  a  lie  always  a  mortal  sin? 

Xo,  a  lie  is  not  always  a  mortal  sin. 

Did  Ananias  and  Saphira  commit  a  mortal  sin? 

It  is  not  certain.  Many  of  the  Fathers  think  that 
they  did  not  commit  a  mortal  sin,  hut  that  their  sudden 
death  was  the  temporal  punishment  for  their  sins,  and 
was  intended  to  act  as  a  warning  for  others. 

What  do  we  learn  from  the  words  of  St.  Peter? 

We  learn  from  his  words:  (1),  That  the  Holy  Ghost 
is  a  person:  “  Why  hath  Satan  tempted  thy  heart  that 
thou  shouldst  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost?”  We  can  lie 


The  Twelve  Apostles  in  Prison.  469 

only  to  a  person ;  (2),  That  the  Holy  Ghost  is  God: 
“  Thou  hast  not  lied  to  men,  but  to  God.” 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  detest  all  lying  and 
deceit,  and  to  be  always  truthful  and  straightforward 
in  our  dealings  with  our  fellow-men. 


XC.  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES  IX  PRISON. 
—GAMALIEL'S  COUNSEL. 

What  does  this  lesson  contain? 

It  contains:  (1),  A  proof  of  the  Primacy  of  St. 
Peter;  and  (2),  A  proof  of  the  indef ectibility  of  the 
Church. 

Which  facts  confirm  the  Primacy  of  St.  Peter? 

The  following  facts  confirm  the  Primacy  of  St. 
Peter:  (1),  The  fact  that  he  was  gifted  with  greater 
healing  powers  than  the  other  Apostles;  (2),  The  fact 
that  he  spoke  for  the  others. 

In  what  did  the  greater  healing  power  of  St.  Peter 
consist  ? 

It  consisted  in  curing  the  sick  upon  whom  his 
shadow  fell. 

Were  the  Apostles  released  from  prison? 

Yes,  they  were  released  by  an  angel. 

What  did  they  do  immediately  after  their  release  ? 

Immediately  after  their  release  they  began  again  to 
preach. 

What  did  the  chief  priests  and  Ancients  do? 

They  had  the  Apostles  brought  again  before  the 
Council. 


470 


The  New  Testament . 


What  did  they  say  to  the  Apostles? 

They  said:  “We  commanded  that  you  should  not 
teach  in  this  name." 

Who  spoke  for  the  Apostles? 

St.  Peter  spoke  for  the  Apostles.  He  said:  “  We 
ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  man.” 

Who  testified  to  the  indefectibility  of  the  Church? 

A  doctor  of  the  Law  named  Gamaliel  testified  to 
the  indefectibilitv  of  the  Church. 

m 

What  do  we  mean  by  the  indefectibility  of  the 
Church? 

By  the  indefectibility  of  the  Church  we  mean  that 
she  will  last  forever. 

What  did  Gamaliel  say? 

He  said:  “  Ye  men  of  Israel,  consider  with  your¬ 
selves  what  you  are  about  to  do  as  touching  these  men. 
.  .  .  And  now  therefore,  I  say  to  you,  refrain  from 
these  men  and  leave  them  alone:  for  if  this  counsel  or 
this  work  be  of  men,  it  will  come  to  naught.  But  if  it 
be  of  God,  you  cannot  overthrow  it.” 

Bid  the  advice  of  Gamaliel  contain  the  test  for  the 
divine  origin  of  the  Church? 

Yes,  it  contained  the  test  for  the  divine  origin  of 
the  Church. 

Has  the  Church  stood  the  test? 

Yres.  Other  works,  as  Gamaliel  said,  passed  away, 
but  because  the  Church  is  the  work  of  God  it  will  last 
forever. 

Which  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  the  Apos¬ 
tles? 

The  characteristic  virtues  of  the  Apostles  were 
principally  two:  Fortitude,  and  steadfastness  in  their 
faith. 


The  Election  of  the  Deacons . 


471 


How  did  they  show  their  fortitude  ? 

They  showed  their  fortitude  because  they  did  not 
allow  dangers  or  persecutions  to  prevent  them  from 
preaching  the  Gospel. 

How  did  they  show  their  steadfastness  in  faith? 

They  showed  their  steadfastness  in  faith,  because 
they  were  ready  to  sacrifice  everything,  even  their  life, 
rather  than  lose  their  faith. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  make  little  sacrifices  of 
self-denial  willingly,  and  to  bear  persecution  of  every 
kind  with  resignation. 


XCI.  THE  ELECTION  OF  THE  DEACONS. 

—STEPHEN  IS  THE  FIRST  MARTYR. 

What  did  the  Apostles  do  as  soon  as  the  number  of 
the  faithful  began  to  increase? 

As  soon  as  the  number  of  the  faithful  began  to 
increase  they  chose  deacons  to  assist  them  in  their 
work. 

What  was  the  office  of  the  deacons? 

Their  office  was  to  distribute  alms  among  the  poor, 
and  to  help  the  Apostles  in  their  care  of  the  sick. 

Does  the  office  of  deacon  still  exist  in  the  Church? 

Yes;  every  candidate  for  the  priesthood  must  first 
receive  deaconship. 

What  authority  has  the  deacon  in  the  Church? 

He  has  the  authority:  (1),  To  preach;  (2),  To  bap¬ 
tize  solemnly;  (3),  To  assist  at  solemn  High  Mass; 
(4),  To  distribute  holy  communion. 


472 


The  New  Testament. 


Who  was  the  first  deacon? 

St.  Stephen  was  the  first  deacon. 

For  what  was  he  remarkable  ? 

He  was  remarkable  for  his  wisdom,  which  no  one 
could  withstand,  and  his  miraculous  power. 

How  did  he  display  his  wisdom? 

He  displayed  his  wisdom  in  his  sermons,  which  his 
enemies  could  not  answer. 

What  effect  did  they  produce  on  his  enemies? 

They  filled  his  enemies  with  a  most  intense  hatred 
for  St.  Stephen. 

How  did  their  hatred  manifest  itself? 

They  seized  St.  Stephen  and  dragged  him  before 
the  Council  and  induced  false  witnesses  to  say:  “  This 
man  ceaseth  not  to  speak  words  against  the  holy  place 
and  the  Law.” 

Why  were  the  Ancients  and  the  people  so  enraged 
at  the  sermon  of  St.  Stephen? 

They  were  enraged  at  St.  Stephen  because  he 
reminded  them  of  their  sins. 

What  did  he  say? 

He  said:  “  You  stiff-necked  and  uncircumcised  in 
heart  and  ears,  you  always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost  as 
your  fathers  did.  .  .  .  Which  of  the  prophets  have  not 
your  fathers  persecuted?  And  they  have  slain  them 
who  foretold  the  coming  of  the  Just  One,  of  whom  you 
have  been  now  the  betrayers  and  murderers.” 

What  was  the  principal  sin  of  which  he  accused 
them? 

He  accused  them  principally  of  resisting  the  grace 
of  God. 


The  Election  of  the  Deacons.  47 3 

How  far  did  the  Jews  go  in  their  fury  against  St. 
Stephen  ? 

They  drove  him  out  of  the  city  and  stoned  him  to 
death. 

Of  what  sin  were  they  guilty  ? 

They  were  guilty  of  the  sin  of  murder. 

To  what  class  of  sins  does  murder  belong? 

It  belongs  to  the  class  of  sins  that  cry  to  heaven 
for  vengeance. 

Which  are  the  sins  crying  to  heaven  for  ven¬ 
geance? 

The  sins  that  cry  to  heaven  for  vengeance  are  four: 
Wilful  murder,  oppression  of  the  poor,  defrauding 
laborers  of  their  wages,  and  Sodomy. 

Why  are  they  called  sins  crying  to  heaven  for  ven¬ 
geance  ? 

They  are  called  sins  crying  to  heaven  for  vengeance 
because  they  are  so  malicious  that  they  seem  to  call  on 
God  at  once  for  punishment. 

How  did  St.  Stephen  pray  while  he  was  being  stoned 
to  death? 

He  prayed:  “  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit,”  and 
u  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their  charge.” 

What  did  this  prayer  contain? 

It  contained:  (1),  A  proof  of  his  belief  in  the 
divinity  of  Christ,  for  he  calls  Him  “Lord”;  (2),  A 
proof  of  his  love  for  his  enemies. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  great  zeal  for  the 
souls  of  men  and  to  forgive  our  enemies. 


474 


The  New  Testament . 


When  do  we  celebrate  the  Feast  of  St.  Stephen? 

We  celebrate  the  Feast  of  St.  Stephen  on  the 
twenty-eighth  of  December. 


XCII.  THE  SACRAMENT  OF  CONFIRMATION. 
—THE  BAPTISM  OF  THE  OFFICER  OF 
QUEEN  CANDACE  OF  ETHIOPIA. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  The  persecution  of  the  Church  in 
Jerusalem;  (2),  The  conversion  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Samaria;  (3),  The  administration  of  the  Sacrament  of 
Confirmation;  (4),  The  conversion  of  the  officer  of  the 
Ethiopian  queen. 

What  was  the  principal  cause  of  the  persecution  in 
Jerusalem? 

The  public  and  courageous  preaching  of  St. 
Stephen  was  the  principal  cause  of  the  persecution. 

Against  whom  especially  was  the  persecution 
directed? 

It  was  directed  especially  against  the  deacons,  the 
associates  in  office  of  St.  Stephen. 

What  was  the  result  of  this  persecution? 

The  disciples  of  Jesus  fled  from  Jerusalem  and 
preached  the  Gospel  in  the  rest  of  Judea  and  Samaria. 

How  did  the  inhabitants  of  Samaria  receive  the 
word  of  God? 

They  believed  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ  and  received 
Baptism. 


The  Sacrament  of  Confirmation .  475 

Did  the  conversion  of  the  inhabitants  of  Samaria 
have  a  far-reaching  meaning? 

Yes;  it  showed  that  the  Church  of  Christ  was  not 
only  intended  for  the  Jews,  but  for  all  nations. 

Which  mark  of  the  true  Church  did  this  manifest? 

It  manifested  the  Church’s  catholicity. 

Why  is  the  Church  catholic  or  universal? 

The  Church  is  catholic  or  universal  because  it  sub¬ 
sists  in  all  ages,  teaches  all  nations,  and  maintains  all 
truth. 

What  fact  confirmed  the  call  of  the  pagans  to  Chris¬ 
tianity  ? 

The  fact  that  St.  Peter,  the  visible  head  of  the 
Church,  went  to  Samaria  to  confirm  the  converts,  con¬ 
firmed  the  call  of  the  pagans  to  Christianity. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Apostles  administered 
Confirmation  ? 

We  know  that  the  Apostles  administered  Con¬ 
firmation  from  the  words  of  St.  Luke  in  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles:  “  Then  they  laid  hands  upon  them,  and 
they  received  the  Holy  Ghost.” 

Do  these  words  prove  that  Confirmation  was  insti¬ 
tuted  by  Christ? 

Yes,  these  words  prove  that  Confirmation  was  insti¬ 
tuted  by  Christ,  for  the  outward  sign  (the  laying  on  of 
hands)  produced  the  inward  grace.  Had  this  outward 
sign  not  been  determined  by  Christ,  it  could  not  have 
produced  grace. 

What  is  the  outward  sign  of  the  Sacrament  of 
Confirmation  ? 

The  outward  sign  is  the  laying  on  of  hands  and  the 
anointing  with  chrism. 


47b 


The  Xew  Testament . 


What  do  we  receive  in  Confirmation  ? 

In  Confirmation  we  receive  the  Holy  Ghost  to 
strengthen  us  to  be  true  to  our  faith. 

Who  administered  Confirmation  in  the  early 
Church  ? 

The  Apostles,  and  not  the  disciples  of  Jesus,  ad¬ 
ministered  Confirmation. 

Who  administers  Confirmation  nowadays  in  the 
Church? 

Only  the  bishops  administer  Confirmation. 

May  a  priest  ever  administer  Confirmation? 

Yes,  a  priest  may  administer  Confirmation  if  he 
receives  the  power  from  the  Pope,  but  even  then  he 
must  use  holy  chrism  consecrated  by  the  bishop. 

• 

What  did  Christ  show  by  the  conversion  of  the 
officer  of  the  Ethiopian  queen? 

He  showed  by  this  that  He  had  died  for  all  men. 

How  was  the  officer’s  conversion  brought  about? 

St.  Philip  met  him  on  the  road  from  Jerusalem. 
He  noticed  that  the  officer  was  reading  Holy  Scripture, 
and  he  proceeded  to  explain  it  to  him.  He  did  this  so 
well  that  the  officer  professed  his  belief  in  Christ  and 
asked  to  be  baptized. 

Why  was  the  officer  converted  at  once? 

He  was  converted  at  once  because  he  co-operated 
with  the  grace  of  God. 

What  saying  of  Christ  was  fulfilled  in  his  conver¬ 
sion? 

The  following  saying  of  Christ  was  fulfilled  in  his 
conversion:  “  Blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst 
after  justice,  for  they  shall  be  filled.” 


The  Conversion  of  Saul. 


4VY 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  our  religion,  and 
to  take  a  delight  in  hearing  it  explained  in  sermons 
and  Catechism. 


XCIII.  THE  CONVERSION  OF  SAUL. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  St.  Paul  was  converted. 

What  makes  this  lesson  on  the  conversion  of  St. 
Paul  of  great  importance? 

Two  things  make  this  lesson  of  great  importance: 
It  contains  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of  Christ,  and  an 
explanation  of  the  doctrine  of  grace. 

Explain  the  proof  of  the  divinity  of  Christ. 

(1),  Saul  sees  Christ  in  a  vision  of  glory;  (2),  He 
calls  Him  “  Lord  (3),  Ananias  works  a  miracle  in  the 
name  of  Jesus. 

What  did  God  show  Saul? 

God  showed  him  great  mercy. 

How  did  He  show  him  great  mercy? 

God  showed  Saul  mercy  by  granting  him  the  actual 
grace  of  conversion. 

What  further  grace  did  Saul  obtain  by  this  actual 
grace  ? 

By  co-operating  with  actual  grace  he  received 
sanctifying  grace. 

What  is  sanctifying  grace? 

Sanctifying  grace  is  that  quality  of  the  soul  which 
makes  us  pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God. 


478 


The  New  Testament. 


Why  is  it  called  a  grace  ? 

It  is  called  a  grace  because  it  is  a  free  gift  of  God. 

How  did  Saul  prepare  himself  for  Baptism? 

Saul  prepared  himself  for  Baptism  by  three  days’ 
fasting  and  prayer. 

Who  baptized  Saul? 

Ananias,  who  was  commissioned  by  almighty  God, 
baptized  him. 

Did  Ananias  prove  that  he  was  sent  by  God  to  bap¬ 
tize  Saul? 

Yes,  he  proved  that  he  was  sent  by  God  by  restor¬ 
ing  his  sight  to  Saul. 

Was  Saul  always  blind? 

No,  he  was  struck  blind  on  his  way  to  Damascus  at 
the  time  of  his  conversion. 

What  became  of  Saul  afterwards? 

He  became  a  great  Apostle  of  Christ  and  was  called 

PauL 

What  does  the  conversion  of  St.  Paul  show? 

It  shows  the  great  power  of  the  grace  of  God,  for  it 
changed  Saul,  who  hated  Christ  most  bitterly,  into  one 
of  His  greatest  Apostles. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  never  to  despise  the 
grace  of  God,  and  to  prepare  ourselves  well  for  the 
reception  of  the  sacraments. 


Peter's  Journey . — He  Raises  Tabitha  to  Life .  479 


XCIV.  PETER'S  JOURNEY.— HE  RAISES 
TABITHA  TO  LIFE. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  St.  Peter  visited  many  of  the 
churches  and  raised  Tabitha  to  life. 

Does  this  lesson  contain  a  proof  of  the  Primacy  of 
St.  Peter? 

Yes,  it  contains  a  proof  of  the  Primacy  of  St. 
Peter. 

In  what  does  this  proof  consist? 

It  consists  in  the  fact  that  St.  Peter  made  his 
official  visitations  to  the  different  parishes. 

Why  did  he  undertake  these  journeys? 

He  undertook  these  journeys  to  administer  Con¬ 
firmation,  to  appoint  priests  over  the  parishes,  and  to 
work  miracles. 

Which  were  the  principal  miracles  he  worked? 

He  healed  Eneas,  who  had  been  sick  with  the  palsy 
for  eight  years,  and  in  Joppe  he  raised  a  dead  woman 
named  Tabitha  to  life. 

Where  was  Lydda  situated  ? 

Lydda  was  a  small  city  about  twenty-five  miles  west 
of  Jerusalem,  not  far  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 

Where  was  Joppe? 

Joppe  was  about  twelve  miles  from  Lydda,  on  the 
Mediterranean  Sea. 

Why  did  St.  Peter  work  these  miracles? 

St.  Peter  wrought  these  miracles  to  prove  that  he 
had  received  a  mission  from  God  to  preach. 

What  was  the  result  of  the  miracles  of  St.  Peter? 

The  result  was  that  many  believed. 


480 


The  New  Testament, 


For  what  virtue  was  Tabitha  known? 

She  was  known  for  her  generosity  to  the  poor. 

Which  class  of  poor  are  especially  recommended  to 
our  charity? 

The  widows  and  orphans  are  especially  recom¬ 
mended  to  our  charity. 

What  reward  do  we  receive  for  works  of  mercy? 

The  merciful  will  be  judged  mercifully  on  the  last 
day,  for  Christ  says:  “  Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for 
they  shall  obtain  mercy.*’ 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  be  generous  to  the  poor. 


XCV. 


THE  CONVERSION  OF  CORNELIUS  AND 
THE  CHRISTIANS  AT  ANTIOCH. 


What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that  a  Roman  centurion  named  Cornelius 
was  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  go  to  St.  Peter  to 
be  received  into  the  Church. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  fact? 

We  learn  from  it:  (1),  That  the  Church  is  Catholic; 
(2),  That  it  is  guided  by  the  spirit  of  God;  (3),  That 
St.  Peter  was  its  visible  head. 

Whence  do  we  learn  that  the  Church  is  catholic? 

m 

We  learn  that  the  Church  is  catholic  from  the  fact 
that  heathens  were  called  to  it. 

Were  the  heathens  obliged  to  first  acknowledge  the 
Jewish  Law  before  they  were  received  into  the  Church? 

No,  they  were  independent  of  the  Jewish  Law,  and 
were  received  directly  into  the  Church  when  they  ex¬ 
pressed  the  wish. 


The  Conversion  of  Cornelius.  481 

Who  is  here  the  representative  of  paganism? 

The  Roman  centurion  Cornelius  is  the  representa¬ 
tive  of  paganism. 

Which  virtues  did  the  centurion  captain  practise  ? 

The  centurion  captain  practised  the  following 
virtues:  (1)?  He  was  very  devout — “  he  prayed  to  God 
continually  (2),  He  was  generous  to  the  poor;  (3), 
He  was  obedient;  (4),  He  was  sincere,  for  he  obeyed 
the  command  of  God  at  once. 

How  was  he  received  into  the  Church? 

He  was  received  into  the  Church  by  the  Sacrament 
of  Baptism. 

Why  is  Baptism  the  most  necessary  sacrament? 

Baptism  is  the  most  necessary  sacrament  because 
without  it  we  cannot  be  saved. 

What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament  which  cleanses  us  from 
original  sin,  makes  us  Christians,  children  of  God,  and 
heirs  of  heaven. 

How  do  we  know  that  God  guided  the  early  Church  ? 

We  know  this  from  the  fact  that  God  Himself, 
through  an  angel,  led  the  centurion  to  the  Church. 

How  did  almighty  God  bring  this  about  ? 

He  sent  a  vision  to  St.  Peter. 

Why  was  this  revelation  made  to  St.  Peter  ? 

St.  Peter  was  the  visible  head  of  the  Church.  It 
was  meet  that  he,  who  had  been  the  first  to  receive  the 
Jews  into  the  Church,  should  also  be  the  first  to  receive 
the  pagans. 

What  did  the  angel  say  to  Cornelius  ? 

He  said:  “  Thy  prayers  and  thy  alms  are  ascended 
for  a  memorial  in  the  sight  of  God.  And  now  send 


482 


The  New  Testament. 


men  to  Joppe,  and  call  hither  Simon,  who  is  surnamed 
Peter” 

What  was  it  that  moved  God  to  grant  Cornelius  the 
grace  of  conversion? 

His  prayers  and  alms  moved  God  to  grant  him  the 
grace  of  conversion. 

Was  the  conversion  of  Cornelius  an  important  event 
for  the  spread  of  Christianity? 

Yes,  Christian  communities  began  to  spring  up 
among  the  pagans,  especially  at  Antioch. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  pray  devoutly  and  give 
alms  generously. 

XCVI.  PETER  IN  PRISON. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates:  (1),  How  God  protects  His  Church;  (2), 
That  prayer  is  most  efficacious;  (3),  That  God  punishes 
the  persecutors  of  His  Church. 

From  what  do  we  see  that  God  protects  His  Church? 

We  see  that  God  protects  His  Church  from  the 
miraculous  manner  in  which  He  liberated  its  visible 
head  from  prison. 

Why  did  the  Jews  cast  St.  Peter  into  prison? 

They  thought  that  by  removing  the  head  of  the 
Church  they  would  be  able  to  destroy  the  Church  itself. 

What  did  they  intend  to  do  with  St.  Peter? 

Herod  Agrippa  intended  to  put  him  to  death  after 
the  Jewish  Passover. 

Who  frustrated  the  plan  of  Herod? 

God  Himself  frustrated  it. 


Peter  in  Prison. 


483 


How  did  God  frustrate  Herod’s  plan  ? 

God  frustrated  Herod’s  plan  by  sending  an  angel 
to  St.  Peter  to  lead  him  out  of  prison. 

What  moved  God  to  perform  this  miracle? 

The  prayers  of  the  faithful  moved  God  to  perform 
this  miracle. 

How  did  the  faithful  pray? 

They  prayed  with  perseverance.  “  Prayer  was 
made  without  ceasing  hy  the  Church  to  God  for 
him.” 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  miracle  ? 

We  learn  from  it  the  great  efficacy  of  prayer. 

How  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray:  (1),  With  attention;  (2),  With  hu¬ 
mility;  (3),  With  confidence;  (4),  With  resignation; 
(5),  With  perseverance. 

Did  God  punish  Herod? 

Yes,  God  afflicted  him  with  a  most  loathsome  dis¬ 
ease,  and  he  died  in  the  most  terrible  torments. 

Why  did  God  punish  him  so  severely  ? 

God  punished  him  for  two  reasons:  (1),  Because  he 
persecuted  His  Church;  (2),  Because  he  was  pleased 
that  the  people  looked  on  him  as  a  god. 

Which  attribute  of  God  do  we  see  in  the  fate  of 
Herod  ? 

In  the  fate  of  Herod  we  see  His  justice. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson  ? 

We  should  learn  from  it:  (1),  Never  to  lose  courage, 
hut  to  look  to  God  for  help  in  time  of  need;  (2),  To 
pray  for  the  Pope,  the  visible  head  of  the  Church. 


484 


The  New  Testament . 


XCVII.  ST.  PAUL'S  FIRST  MISSION. 

(a.d.  45-48.) 


What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  first  mission  of  St.  Paul. 

Who  called  St.  Paul  to  the  apostolate? 

Christ  Himself  called  him. 

Was  St.  Paul  ordained  by  Christ? 

No,  he  was  not  ordained  by  Christ. 

Who  ordained  St.  Paul? 

The  chief  men  among  the  Christians  of  Antioch 
ordained  him. 

Were  they  bishops? 

Yes,  they  were  bishops. 

What  power  did  they  confer  on  St.  Paul? 

They  not  only  ordained  him,  but  also  consecrated 
him  bishop. 

What  is  the  Sacrament  of  Holy  Orders? 

Holy  Orders  is  a  sacrament  through  which  bishops 
and  priests  and  other  ministers  are  ordained,  and 
receive  the  power  and  grace  to  perform  their  sacred 
duties. 

Is  the  consecration  of  a  bishop  a  sacrament? 

Yes,  the  consecration  of  a  bishop  is  a  sacrament. 

Are  there  not  therefore  eight  sacraments  instead  of 
seven? 

No,  there  is  only  one  Sacrament  of  Orders,  but 
there  are  different  degrees:  deacons,  priests,  and 
bishops.  The  episcopacy  is  the  crown  of  Holy  Orders. 

Who  can  administer  Holy  Orders? 

Only  a  bishop  can  administer  Holy  Orders. 


St.  PauVs  First  Mission. 


485 


Did  St.  Paul  make  use  of  his  episcopal  power? 

Yes,  he  ordained  priests,  and  placed  them  over 
parishes. 

Who  accompanied  him  on  this  journey? 

Barnabas  accompanied  him. 

Whither  did  they  go  first? 

They  went  to  Cyprus,  the  native  place  of  Barnabas. 

Did  they  make  any  important  conversions  there  ? 

Yes,  they  converted  the  proconsul  Sergius. 

Who  tried  to  prevent  the  conversion  of  Sergius? 

A  magician  named  Barjesu  tried  to  prevent  his  con¬ 
version. 

How  did  St.  Paul  prove  the  truth  of  his  teaching 
to  Sergius? 

St.  Paul  proved  the  truth  of  his  teaching  by  a 
miracle.  He  struck  the  magician  blind. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  and  St.  Barnabas  go  after 
having  left  Cyprus? 

Having  left  Cyprus  they  went  to  Asia  Minor,  to 
Antioch,  a  city  in  Pisidia. 

To  whom  did  St.  Paul  preach  first  in  Antioch? 

He  preached  first  to  the  Jews  on  the  Sabbath  in 
the  synagogue,  but  when  they  refused  to  listen  to  him 
he  turned  to  the  Gentiles. 

How  did  the  Gentiles  receive  him? 

They  listened  to  him  and  received  the  Gospel  with 
great  joy. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  and  St.  Barnabaa  go  from 
Antioch  ? 

From  Antioch  they  went  to  Iconium. 


486 


The  New  Testament. 


To  what  sin  in  particular  were  the  people  of 
Iconium  addicted? 

They  were  addicted  in  particular  to  the  sin  of 
idolatry. 

How  do  we  know  this? 

We  know  it  from  the  fact  that  they  called  St. 
Barnabas,  Jupiter,  on  account  of  his  imposing  appear¬ 
ance,  and  St.  Paul,  Mercury,  on  account  of  his  elo¬ 
quence,  and  wished  to  offer  sacrifice  to  them. 

Did  the  saints  permit  them? 

No,  they  said  to  them:  “  We  are  mortals  like  you, 
you  have  no  right  to  call  us  gods.” 

Against  which  Commandment  did  the  people  sin? 

They  sinned  against  the  first  Commandment. 

How  did  the  Apostles  succeed? 

Some  believed,  but  the  Jews  had  followed  them 
from  Antioch  and  Iconium,  and  stirred  up  the  people 
against  them. 

What  did  they  do  to  St.  Paul? 

They  stoned  him  till  they  thought  he  was  dead, 
and  then  cast  him  out  of  the  city. 

Did  St.  Paul  and  St.  Barnabas  return? 

Yes,  they  returned  through  the  cities  which  they 
had  visited,  exhorted  the  faithful  to  persevere,  and 
ordained  priests. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  have  great  zeal  for  the 
honor  and  glory  of  God. 


The  Council  of  Jerusalem. 


487 


XCVIII.  THE  COUNCIL  OF  JERUSALEM. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  that:  (1),  About  the  year  50  a.d.,  a 
Council  was  held  in  Jerusalem;  (2),  That  the  question 
whether  the  Gentiles  who  were  received  into  the 
Church  had  to  observe  the  Jewish  Law  was  decided  in 
the  negative. 

Who  presided  at  the  Council  ? 

St.  Peter  presided. 

Of  what  is  this  a  proof? 

It  is  a  proof  that  the  other  Apostles  acknowledged 
the  supremacy  of  St.  Peter. 

Who  were  present  at  the  Council? 

The  Apostles  and  the  Ancients  were  present. 

Who  presided  at  all  succeeding  General  Councils? 

The  Pope  or  his  legates  presided. 

Who  takes  part  in  the  deliberations  of  the  Council? 

Not  only  bishops,  but  also  priests  and  lay  people 
who  are  known  for  their  learning,  take  part. 

But  who  has  a  right  to  vote  and  decide  questions? 

Only  the  bishops,  the  successors  of  the  Apostles, 
have  a  right  to  vote. 

What  important  question  was  decided  by  the 
Council  ? 

It  was  decided  that  the  heathens  who  were  con¬ 
verted  to  Christianity  were  not  obliged  to  fulfil  the 
requirements  of  the  Jewish  Law,  for  example,  to  be 
circumcised. 

How  did  the  Council  reach  this  decision? 

St.  Peter  arose  in  the  Council  and  said  that  the 
Apostles  had  no  right  to  impose  this  burden  on  the 
converts  from  paganism. 


488 


Tlie  New  Testament . 


Did  any  one  else  express  the  same  views? 

Yes,  St.  Janies  the  bishop  of  Jerusalem  did. 

Was  the  decision  of  the  Council  infallible? 

Yes,  the  decision  was  infallible. 

Why  was  it  infallible  ? 

It  was  infallible  because  the  Council  was  guided  by 
the  Holy  Ghoet. 

Was  this  expressed  in  the  decision  of  the  Council? 

Yes,  for  the  decree  commences  with  these  words: 
“It  hath  seemed  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  us, 
etc.” 

Have  there  been  General  Councils  since  the  one  at 
Jerusalem  ? 

Yes,  there  have  been  twenty. 

When  was  the  first? 

The  first  General  Council  was  at  Nice,  in  the  year 

325. 

When  was  the  last? 

The  last  was  the  Council  of  the  Vatican  in  1870. 

Can  there  be  a  General  Council  unless  it  is  called 
by  the  Pope  and  presided  over  by  him? 

No,  a  General  Council  must  be  called  by  the  Pope 
and  presided  over  by  himself  or  his  representatives. 
There  were  some  irregular  Councils,  but  the  Pope 
ratified  their  acts  afterwards,  thus  making  them 
General. 

Are  any  new  doctrines  defined  in  the  General  Coun¬ 
cils? 

No?  the  deposit  of  faith  was  closed  with  the  death 
of  the  last  Apostle.  The  old  truths  are  developed  and 
shaped  to  meet  the  errors  of  the  times. 


St.  PauVs  Second  Mission. 


489 


Can  the  Catholic  Church  err  in  matters  of  faith  or 
morals? 

No,  the  Church  cannot  err  in  matters  of  faith  or 
morals,  not  any  more  than  the  Apostles  could  at  the 
Council  in  Jerusalem.  For  the  same  Holy  Ghost,  who 
guided  the  deliberations  of  the  Apostles,  was  promised 
to  their  successors  for  the  same  purpose  to  the  end  of 
time. 

What  do  we  call  the  teaching  authority  of  the  Cath¬ 
olic  Church? 

We  call  it  infallible  in  matters  of  faith  or  morals. 

But  must  we  not  also  submit  to  the  Church  in  deci¬ 
sions  which  do  not  pertain  to  faith  or  morals? 

Certainly  we  must  obey  her  in  all  her  decisions,  but 
we  do  not  have  to  believe  that  she  is  infallible. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  obey  all  the  Command¬ 
ments  of  the  Church  and  the  regulations  of  our  bishops 
and  pastors. 

XCIX.  ST.  PAUL’S  SECOND  MISSION. 

(a.d.  51-54.) 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  the  second  mission  of  St.  Paul. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  go  on  his  second  missionary 
journey? 

He  went  to  Asia  Minor,  Syria,  Cilicia,  Phrygia, 
Lycaonia,  Galatia,  Mysia,  and  finally  to  Troas. 

Whither  did  he  go  from  Troas? 

He  went  to  Philippi,  the  capital  of  Macedonia. 

What  induced  him  to  go  to  Macedonia? 

During  the  night  he  saw  as  in  a  dream  a  man  who 
said  to  him:  “  Pass  over  into  Macedonia  and  help  us.” 


490 


The  New  Testament. 


Who  accompanied  St.  Paul? 

Silas,  Luke,  and  Timothy  accompanied  him. 

Who  was  Luke? 

Luke  was  a  physician  of  Antioch;  he  was  converted 
to  Christianity  and  died  for  the  faith  in  Achaia. 

Who  was  Timothy? 

Timothy  was  the  offspring  of  a  mixed  marriage; 
his  father  was  a  heathen  and  his  mother  a  Jewess.  He 
was  born  at  Lystra,  was  converted,  became  bishop  of 
Ephesus,  and  sutTered  martyrdom. 

Who  was  Silas? 

Silas,  like  St.  Paul,  was  a  Homan  subject,  and  his 
companion  on  his  missions. 

What  happened  to  St.  Paul  in  Philippi? 

After  having  preached  a  great  deal  and  performed 
many  miracles  he  was  cast  into  prison,  whence  he 
escaped  by  a  miracle. 

What  occurred  while  they  were  in  prison? 

During  the  night  an  earthquake  arose,  and  the  walls 
of  the  prison  were  shaken  to  their  foundations.  When 
the  keeper  awoke  and  saw  the  doors  open,  he  supposed 
that  the  prisoners  had  fled;  he  drew  his  sword  to  kill 
himself,  but  St.  Paul  prevented  him. 

What  became  of  the  keeper? 

He  and  his  whole  family  were  baptized. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  go  from  Philippi? 

From  Philippi  he  went  to  Athens. 

Where  did  he  preach? 

He  preached  in  the  Areopagus. 

Of  what  did  he  preach? 

He  preached:  (1),  Of  God  and  the  Creation;  (2),  Of 
the  end  of  man,  who  “  lives,  moves,  and  is  ”  in  God; 


St.  Paul's  Second  Mission. 


491 


(3),  Of  Jesus  Christ,  who  arose  from  the  dead  and  will 
come  again  to  judge  all  men. 

What  gave  him  occasion  to  speak  of  God? 

He  saw  an  altar  which  was  dedicated  to  the  “  un¬ 
known  God.” 

What  did  he  preach  on  God? 

lie  preached  that  God  is  a  spirit:  that  He  can¬ 
not  be  contained  in  any  earthly  temple,  for  He  is  every¬ 
where. 

What  did  he  preach  on  the  external  work  of  God? 

He  preached  that  the  whole  visible  world  was 
created  by  God. 

What  did  he  preach  on  the  end  of  man? 

He  preached  that  man  comes  from  God  and  is 
intended  for  God. 

What  was  the  condition  of  our  first  parents? 

They  were  created  in  a  state  of  sanctifying  grace, 
that  is,  they  were  children  of  God  and  heirs  of  heaven. 

Did  they  have  a  right  to  this  ? 

No;  God  of  His  own  free  will  elevated  them  to  this 
state. 

Did  they  fall  from  the  state  of  grace? 

Yes,  they  fell  and  brought  sin  on  all  their  de¬ 
scendants. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  go  from  Athens  ? 

He  went  to  Corinth  and  Ephesus,  and  afterwards 
back  to  Antioch. 

Which  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  St.  Paul? 

His  self-sacrificing  love  of  Christ,  and  his  zeal  for 
the  spread  of  His  Gospel,  were  the  characteristic 
virtues  of  St.  Paul. 


492 


The  Xew  uiestament . 


What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  make  any  sacrifice  for 
our  faith. 

C.  ST.  PAUL’S  THIRD  MISSION. 

(a.d.  55-58.) 

What  does  this  lesson  relate  ? 

It  relates  the  third  mission  of  St.  Paul. 

When  was  the  third  mission  of  St.  Paul  ? 

The  third  mission  of  St.  Paul  was  between  55  and 
58  after  Christ. 

To  what  city  did  St.  Paul  go  first? 

He  went  first  to  Ephesus,  the  capital  of  the  Roman 
province  of  Asia. 

What  did  he  do  there? 

He  administered  the  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and 
Confirmation. 

Did  he  make  any  conversions  there? 

Yes,  he  made  many  converts  and  performed  many 
miracles. 

Mention  some  of  his  miracles. 

The  sick  who  touched  his  handkerchiefs  or  aprons 
were  cured  instantly. 

Did  he  meet  any  opposition  in  Ephesus? 

Yes,  Demetrius,  a  silversmith,  incited  a  riot  against 
him. 

Why  did  he  incite  the  riot? 

He  supposed  that  St.  Paul  was  injuring  his  trade 
by  preaching  against  the  worship  of  idols. 

Whither  did  St.  Paul  go  from  Ephesus? 

lie  went  to  Macedonia  in  Greece,  and  thence  to 
Troas. 


The  Last  Years  of  the  Apostles, 


403 


What  remarkable  miracle  did  he  work  here? 

He  raised  a  young  man  to  life. 

Whither  did  he  go  from  Troas? 

From  Troas  he  proceeded  to  Lesbos,  Chios,  Samos, 
and  Miletus. 

Describe  his  departure  from  Miletus. 

He  bade  the  clergy  farewell  and  said:  “  Now  behold, 
bound  in  spirit,  1  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the 
things  that  shall  befall  me  there.”  Then  to  the 
bishops  he  said:  “Take  heed  to  yourselves  and  all  the 
flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  has  placed  you  bishops 
to  rule  the  Church  of  God."  Then  they  fell  on  his 
neck  and  embraced  him  weeping  because  they  would 
see  his  face  no  more. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  give  up  any  occupation 
that  might  prove  dangerous  to  our  faith  or  morals. 

Cl.  THE  LAST  YEARS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul  were  put  to 
death  for  the  faith. 

How  did  St.  Paul  die? 

He  went  up  to  Jerusalem,  where  he  was  cast  into 
prison.  There  he  remained  two  years,  after  which  he 
was  brought  to  Rome  and  condemned  to  die. 

What  happened  on  the  Isle  of  Malta? 

He  suffered  shipwreck  on  the  Isle  of  Malta,  but  was 
saved  by  a  miracle. 

What  happened  to  him  in  Rome? 

In  Rome  he  was  cast  into  prison,  where  he  re¬ 
mained  two  years.  Eventually  set  free  he  preached  the 


494  The  New  Testament. 

Gospel  in  many  countries,  and  returned  to  Rome  about 
the  year  67. 

What  became  of  the  other  Apostles? 

St.  James  the  Less,  bishop  of  Jerusalem,  according 
to  Josephus  Flavius  was  stoned  to  death;  St.  John, 
bishop  of  Ephesus,  was  exiled  to  Patmos,  whence  he 
returned  to  Ephesus,  where  he  died.  e  know  very 
little  about  the  other  Apostles. 

Where  did  St.  Peter  labor? 

St.  Peter  founded  a  Christian  community  in  Rome, 
whence  he  undertook  visitations  to  the  different 
Christian  churches.  On  one  of  these  trips  he  came  to 
Antioch,  where  he  remained  seven  years.  Finally  he 
took  up  his  permanent  residence  in  Rome. 

Where  did  he  and  St.  Paul  die? 

They  both  suffered  martyrdom  in  Rome  under  Nero 
in  the  year  67. 

How  did  they  suffer  death? 

St.  Paul  was  beheaded  because  he  was  a  Roman 
citizen;  but  St.  Peter  was  crucified  with  his  head  down¬ 
wards. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  love  our  religion  above 
everything,  and  to  live  so  that  we  may  be  worthy  to  die 
in  it. 

CII.  THE  FIRST  CENTURIES  OF  THE 

CHURCH. 

What  does  this  lesson  relate? 

It  relates  how  Christianity  spread  during  the  first 
centuries. 

How  did  the  Apostles  spread  Christianity  ? 

The  Apostles  spread  Christianity  by  preaching. 


495 


The  First  Centuries  of  the  Church. 

Who  continued  their  work? 

Their  successors  continued  their  work. 

Were  they  hindered  in  their  work? 

Yes,  they  were  hindered  by  the  persecutions  of  the 
Roman  emperors. 

How  many  persecutions  were  there? 

There  were  ten  persecutions. 

How  long  did  they  last? 

They  lasted  about  three  hundred  years. 

Was  it  one  continual  persecution  for  three  hundred 
years  ? 

No,  it  cannot  be  truthfully  said  that  it  was  one 
uninterrupted  persecution;  there  were  breathing-spells 
of  peace,  often  for  a  number  of  years. 

When  was  the  first  persecution? 

The  first  persecution  was  under  Nero. 

Which  of  the  Apostles  suffered  martyrdom  during 
this  persecution? 

Sts.  Peter  and  Paul  suffered  martyrdom  during  this 
persecution,  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  June,  a.d.  67. 

When  was  the  second  persecution? 

The  second  persecution  was  under  Domitian. 

When  was  the  third? 

The  third  was  under  Trajan. 

Who  suffered  martyrdom  during  this  persecution? 

The  principal  martyrs  during  this  persecution  were 
St.  Ignatius,  bishop  of  Antioch,  who  was  torn  to  pieces 
by  wild  beasts,  and  St.  Simeon,  bishop  of  Jerusalem. 

When  was  the  fourth? 

The  fourth  was  under  Hadrian. 

Name  the  persecutions  that  followed. 

The  fifth  was  under  Antoninus  Pius;  the  sixth  was 
under  Marcus  Aurelius;  the  seventh  under  Septimius 


496 


The  New  Testament. 


Severus;  the  eighth  under  Decius;  the  ninth  under 
Valerian;  the  tenth  under  Valerian. 

Who  restored  peace  to  the  Church? 

The  Emperor  Constantine  restored  peace  to  the 
Church  in  the  year  313. 

How  was  Constantine  induced  to  restore  peace  to 
the  Church? 

He  was  induced  by  the  wonderful  appearance  of  a 
cross  in  the  sky  with  this  inscription:  “  In  this  sign 
thou  wilt  conquer.”  He  looked  on  this  as  a  good 
omen,  and  on  the  following  day  he  overcame  his  rival 
Maxentius. 

What  did  Constantine  do  for  Christianity? 

He  issued  an  edict  for  the  toleration  of  the  Chris¬ 
tian  religion,  and  built  churches  and  schools. 

What  does  the  preservation  of  the  Church  in  spite 
of  so  many  persecutions  prove? 

It  proves  that  the  Church  is  of  divine  origin. 

Which  marks  did  the  Church  show  even  in  the  first 
centuries  of  its  existence? 

The  Church  showed  that  it  was  One,  Holy,  Catholic, 
and  Apostolic. 

What  does  the  possession  of  these  four  marks  prove? 

Any  Church  that  has  always  possessed  these  four 
marks  must  be  the  true  Church. 

What  should  we  Catholics  be  thankful  for? 

We  should  thank  God  for  the  grace  of  the  true 
faith  and  pray  to  Him  daily  for  the  great  grace  of 
perseverance. 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  lesson? 

We  should  learn  from  it  to  glory  in  our  holy 
religion, which  was  watered  by  the  blood  of  thousands 
of  martyrs. 


ALPHABETICAL  INDEX. 


Aaron,  called  to  help  Moses,  115; 
performs  a  miracle,  116,  117 ; 
sin  of,  129;  rod  < >f,  L82;  conse¬ 
crated  high-priest,  138;  sons  of, 
priests,  138;  pooplo  murmur 
against,  140;  priesthood  of, 
conllrinod,  142,  143. 

Abel,  who  and  what  ho  was,  offer¬ 
ing  of,  34:  murder  of,  36;  typo 
of  Christ,  37. 

Abiron,  revolt  of,  142. 

Abraham,  102,  103,  107,  112,  299, 
315,  327;  father  of  Israelites, 
faith  of,  48;  whore  he  lived, 
mission  of,  God’s  promise  to, 
49 ;  obedience  of,  virtue  of,  qual¬ 
ities  of  faith  of,  50;  whore  he 
was  led,  his  love  of  peace,  51 ; 
unselfishness  of,  52;  charitv 
and  brotherly  love  of,  53 ;  faith 
of,  fear  of,  protection  of,  55; 
posterity  of,  56;  reward  of, 
God’s  covenant  with  him  ami 
his  descendants,  sign  of  cov¬ 
enant,  56;  hospitality  of,  57; 
wife  of,  56,  57;  pity  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrha,  his  prayer,  59; 
his  sacrifice  of  Is.uic,  his  sou, 
61.  62;  his  love  of  God,  62; 
God’s  covenant  with,  renewed, 
126;  Jesus  shows  that  He  is  a 
descendant  of,  274. 

Absalom,  revolt  of,  176;  sins  of, 
178,  179;  death  of,  178. 

Achab,  King,  193,  194;  sins  of, 
193,  197;  punishment  of,  199. 

Achaia,  St.  Luke  martyred  at, 
490. 

Acts  of  the  Apostles,  4G2,  467,  475. 

Adam,  24,  32,  39 ;  his  test,  his 
companion,  marriage,  25;  pun¬ 


ishment  of,  typo  of,  33;  length 
of  life  of,  descendants,  38;  God 
first  promised  a  Redeemer  to, 
81. 

Aden,  Gulf  of,  103. 

Advent,  reminds  us  of  promised 
Redeemer,  32. 

Aggeus,  prophosies  glory  of  sec¬ 
ond  Temple,  234,  235. 

Alexandria,  240;  early  Christiau 
universities  ut,  282. 

Altar,  Sacramont  of  tho,  187;  of 

Elias,  195, 196. 

Aman,  opposes  Esther,  237;  tries 
to  put  Jews  to  death,  238. 

Ananias  and  Saphira,  467,  468, 
469. 

Ananias  in  the  fiery  furnace,  227. 

Ananias  works  a  miracle  and 
baptizes  Saul,  478.  * 

Andrew,  Apostle,  293,  306. 

Angels,  creation  and  fall  of,  19; 
sin  of,  20;  wicked,  called  devils, 
St.  Michael,  21;  divisions  of, 
good  choirs  of,  officos  of,  22; 
visit  Abraham,  57;  Jacob  wres¬ 
tles  with  an  angel,  76;  angel 
calls  Jacob  “Israel,”  77;  Ra¬ 
phael  accompanies  Tobias,  206, 
208, 209, 210;  Gabriel  announces 
birth  of  St.  John,  253;  an¬ 
nounces  birth  of  Jesus,  257; 
angels  announce  birth  of  Jesus 
to  shepherds,  272,  273;  angel 
warns  Magi  against  Herod, 
280;  angel  commands  Joseph 
to  flee  into  Egypt,  281;  Guar¬ 
dian,  22,  364;  angel  leads  Cor¬ 
nelius  to  St.  Peter,  48. 

Anna,  mother  of  Mary,  258. 

Anna,  mother  of  Samuel,  159. 


497 


408 


Alphabetical  Index 


Anna,  prophetess  in  the  Temple, 
277. 

Annas,  Jesus  before,  and  Cai- 
phas,  428,  429,  430. 

Annunciation,  Feast  of,  260. 

Antioch,  490;  Cornelius  and 
Christians  at,  4 #2;  St.  Taut 
ordained  at,  484;  St.  Paul 
preaches  at,  485,  486,  491;  Ht, 
Peter  at,  494;  8t.  Ignatius  of, 
49Y 

Antiochus,  King  of  Syria,  op¬ 
presses  the  Jews,  243;  death 
Of,  246,  247. 

Antoninus  Pius,  495. 

A  jostles,  128,312,  348;  successors 
of,  189,  812;  Jlr^t  mission  of, 
345;  names  of,  meaning  of 
word,  authority  of,  346;  power 
of,  347-  first,  293;  Philip  and 
Bartholomew,  294 ;  at  Cana,  294; 
Jesus  |*rc|niro8  Apostles  for 
their  ' >n\ee(  ;t< *7  ;  dignity  and 
office  of,  and  thoir  succes¬ 
sors,  316,  317,  318,  417;  Josus 
strengthens  the  faith  of  tho, 
351.  Josus  tests  tho  faith  of  the, 
354’  and  woman  of  Chanson. 
356;  at  tho  Transflgunition, 
361;  Jeans  warns  against  scan¬ 
dal,  863;  power  to  forgive  sins 
conferred  on,  364  ,  365,  453, 
454,  455;  Jesus  gives  tho  Apos¬ 
tles  seventy-two  desciples  to 
assist  them,  366;  Jesus  teaches 
the  Apostles  the  "  Our  Father,” 
381;  Jesus  sends  tho  Apostles 
Into  Bethphage,  399, 401 ;  washes 
the  feet  of  the,  411,  412;  at 
Lost  Supper,  413,  414,  416,  417; 
1-sus  consoles,  420,  421,  422; 
throe,  on  Mount  Olivet,  424, 
426:  Jesus  is  silent  about,  428; 
testimony  of,  to  Resum  ption, 
447,  454;  Jesus apj>ears  to  Mary 
Magdaleu  aud  sends  her  to  the, 
449,  450:  8t.  Peter  made  chief 
of  the,  457,  458;  Jesus  promises 
to  send  Holy  Ghost  ujx>n,  459; 
Jesus  confers  three-fold  office 
on,  460.  161  .  Bt  Matthias  se¬ 
lected  to  take  |>lace  of  Judas, 
462;  virtues  of,  462,470,471  ; 
Holy  Ghost  descends  upon,  463, 
464;*  courageous  faith  of,  466; 
Ananias  tries  to  deceive,  468; 
twelve,  in  prison,  469;  elect 
deacons,  471;  administer  con¬ 


firmation,  475,  476;  Saul  be¬ 
comes  one  of  the,  478;  among 
the  Gentiles,  485,  486;  at  Coun¬ 
cil  of  Jerusalem,  487,  488,  489; 
fate  of,  493;  persecution  and 
martyrdom  of,  494,  495. 

Arabia,  103,  111. 

Arnrnt,  Mount,  42. 

Aroojiagus,  490. 

Ark,  Noe  commanded  to  build, 
size  of,  39;  living  creatures  in, 
40;  figure  of  Church,  of  Blessed 
Virgin,  41;  on  Mount  Ararat, 
42 ;  of  tho  covenant,  132 ;  of  the 
covenant  nt  the  Jordnn,  151; 
of  the  covenant  in  hands  of 
Philistines,  161 ;  of  the  cove¬ 
nant  on  Mount  Sion,  173. 

Armenia,  42. 

Ascension,  423,  436;  of  Christ 
into  heaven,  feast  of  the,  461. 

Assuerus,  King  of  Persia,  237, 
238 

Ash  Wednesday,  34. 

Asia,  492. 

Asia  Minor.  485. 

Assyria,  202;  Salmanasar,  King 
of,  205;  Sennacherib,  218. 

Assyrian  caj»tlvity,  Tobias  in,  205. 

Assyrians,  Hoh>  femes,  eom- 
nmndor-ln-chiof  of,  219,  220. 

Athens,  St.  Paul  at,  490,  491, 

Atonement  Dty  of,  pis,  jhs. 

Augustus  decrees  that  Jews  l>e 
enrolled,  269,  270;  j>eace  under, 
273. 

Azarias,  in  the  flory  furnace,  227. 

Baal.  193,  195. 

Baalim,  195. 

Babel,  Tower  of,  46 ;  whero  tower 
was  to  l)o  built,  by  whom,  how 
God  frustrated  plans,  conse¬ 
quence,  46. 

Babylon,  Nabuchodonosor,  King 
of,  227  ;  (Jueeu  Esther  saves  the 
Jews  at,  286,  288. 

Babylonians,  211;  Daniel  kills 
the  dragon  of  the,  232,  233;  how 
Jews  instructed,  236. 

Balaam,  projdiecy  of,  146. 

Balac,  146. 

Baltassar,  King,  punished  for 
desecrating  the  sacred  vessels, 
230;  sins  of,  230. 

Buj)tism,  Sacrament  of,  123,  201, 
287  ,  481;  sponsors  in,  266:  by 
St.  John,  287;  of  Jesus,  289; 


Alphabetical  Index 


499 


what  happened  at  baptism  of 
Jesus,  290;  when  instituted, 
effects  of,  290;  Christ  teaches 
necessity  of,  to  Nicodemus, 
298;  sacrament  of  dead,  329, 
381;  pond  of  Bethsaida  figure 
of,  335;  grace  of  faith  received 
in,  358;  of  inhabitants  of  Sa¬ 
maria,  474;  of  St.  Paul,  478; 
necessity  of,  481 ;  St.  Paul  ad¬ 
ministers,  492. 

Barabbas,  435. 

Barjosu,  485. 

Barnabas,  485,  486. 

Bathuel,  71. 

Beatitudes,  the  eight,  311 ;  first, 
312;  second,  312,  313;  third  and 
fourth,  313;  llftb,  314;  sixth, 
seventh,  and  eighth,  315;  prin¬ 
ciples  of  kingdom  of  Christ  in 
eight,  316. 

Beautiful  Gate,  465. 

Beujainin,  89;  Joseph  sends  for, 
90;  hiB  journey  into  Egypt,  92; 
Joseph  greets,  94  ;  Joseph’s  sil¬ 
ver  cup  in  sack  of,  96;  tribe  of, 
191. 

Bethany,  homo  of  Martha  and 
Mary,  370;  Jesus  visits,  399. 

Bethel,  72. 

Bethlehem,  72;  tribe  of  Judaat, 
165;  David  born  at,  180;  proph¬ 
ecy  of  Micheas  concerning,  211, 
271,  278;  birth  of  Jesus  at,  270, 
271;  shepherds  hurry  to,  273; 
star  of,  278;  Magi  come  to,  279; 
slaughter  of  innocents  at,  281. 

Bethphage,  399. 

Bethsabee,  176. 

Bethsaida,  pond  of,  meaning  of 
word,  333;  figure  of  baptism, 
335. 

Bethulia,  219. 

Bishops,  successors  of  Apostles, 
139, 417;  of  Rome,  the  Pope,  412; 
have  power  to  forgive  sins,  455; 
only  administer  confirmation, 
476  ;  consecration  of,  484. 

Blessed  Sacrament,  manna  figure 
of,  125,  414;  bread  of  heaven  in, 
270 ;  promise  and  institution  of, 
352,  353,  355,  413-419. 

Blessed  Virgin,  22;  ark  figure  of, 
41;  Judith  type  of,  221;  Esther 
type  of,  239;  home  of,  258; 
Elizabeth’s  greeting  of  the, 
261,  262,  263;  mother  of  God 
and  all-powerful,  264;  prophecy 


of  Magnificat  partially  fulfilled, 
337;  prophecy  of  Simeon,  277  ; 
finds  Josus  in  the  Temple,  284; 
Christ  appears  to,  451. 

Booz,  virtues  of,  reward  of,  158. 

Cmsar,  402,  437 ;  tributo  to,  433. 

Cmsarea,  360. 

Cmsarea  Philippi,  357. 

Cain,  who  and  what  ho  was,  offer¬ 
ing  of,  34;  intention  of,  jealousy 
and  anger  of,  35;  act  of,  pun- 
ishmont  of,  36  ;  sins  of,  type  of 
Jews,  37;  descendants  of,  38. 

Caiphas,  Josus  before,  428,  429, 
430. 

Caleb,  140. 

Calvary,  Mount,  Josus  carries 

Hi-  on  -  to,  188,  489. 

Cana,  Jesus’  first  miracle  at,  294, 

295,  296. 

Candace,  Queen  of  Ethiopia,  con- 

\ ersi( in  ( if  offioer  of,  it  i,  476. 

Candlomas  Day,  277. 

Cupharnaum,  328;  miracles  of 
Jesus  at,  305,  306,  308;  Jesus 
goes  to,  326;  Josus  promisos 
the  Jews  the  Broad  of  Lifo  at, 
352. 

i  Carith,  brook  of,  194. 

Cedron,  brook  of,  424. 

Centurion,  faith  of,  327,  344;  at 
death  of  Jesus,  443;  conversion 
of  Cornelius  the,  480,  481,  482. 

Chaldea,  49. 

Cham,  sin  of,  44  ;  descendants 
of,  46. 

Chauaan,  51,  52,  102,  291;  Jacob 
In  the  land  of,  74.  89,  101,  113; 
spies  in,  forty  days,  140,  291; 
Jesus  drives  a  devil  out  of 
daughter  of  woman  of,  355, 356. 

Charity,  228 ;  acts  of,  229;  univer¬ 
sal,  who  are  especially  recom¬ 
mended  to,  53,  329 ;  Christ  per¬ 
fects  the  law  of,  319. 

Chios,  493. 

Christ,  types  of,  Adam,  33;  Abel, 
37;  Noe,  43;  Melchisedech,  54; 
Isaac,  63;  Joseph,  81,  98; 

Moses,  150;  Josue,  153;  God- 
eon,  155;  David,  180;  Solomon, 
189;  Jonas,  203,  447;  Daniel, 
type  of  Resurrection  of,  233; 
founder  of  Church,  41;  and  the 
Church,  139;  Church  of,  341; 
Church,  kingdom  of,  434;  mir¬ 
acles  of,  115,  215,  294,  297,  304, 


500 


Alphabetical  Index . 


305,  306,  308,  325,  328,  333,  343, 
349,  351,  362,  378,  3*5.  393 ;  pus- 
cbal  lamb,  type  of,  120;  manna, 
figure  of,  125;  brazen  serpent 
figure  of,  145;  gives  parable  of 
the  men  who  bn  tit  on  rook  and 
sand,  324  ;  gives  (amble  of 
seed  ami  oockh*,  339;  Rives  par- 
ablo  of  tlio  mustard-seinl,  tho 
leaven,  the  treasure,  the  pre¬ 
cious  pearl,  and  tho  net,  340; 
giv<«s  pambio  of  the  unforgiv¬ 
ing  sonant,  364:  gives  (arable 
of  the  good  shepherd,  87l;  give* 
(arable  of  the  prodigal  son,  373; 
gives  parable  of  Dives  and  Laz¬ 
arus,  376;  gives  parable  of  tho 
rich  man,  382;  gives  (arable  of 
barren  fig-tree,  383;  gives  (ar¬ 
able  of  labor*  rs  in  vineyard, 
391:  gives  (arable  of  tho  mar¬ 
riage  feast,  400;  gives  (arablo 
of  the  ten  virgins  nnd  tho  tal¬ 
ents,  4u6;  David's  victory  flg- 
uro  of  Christ's  victory  over 
Satan,  167;  established  priest¬ 
hood  of  New  Uw,  212;  proph- 
ecies  of  I  sales  concerning,  214, 
215,  216.  217,  respect  for  \  ■ 

tures  of,  2*27;  last  days  before 
coming  of,  249  ;  called  a  light  by 
Simeon,  257:  true  man  and  true 
<  I  t.  214,  260;  birth  <*,206,271  ; 
meaning  of  word,  269  ;  (arable 
of  seed  and  cookie  tnught  by, 
339 ;  St.  John  says  ho  is  not  the, 
2H8;  the  Lord,  272:  bajttised, 
290;  iu  the  desert,  fasts  and  is 
tempted,  291,  292;  wills  in,  292; 
calls  the  Temple  the  ••  house  of 
Ills  Father,”  297;  omniscience 
of,  310;  those  who  are  poor  for 
Christ’s  sake,  312;  His  promise 
t<>  “the  eli-an  of  heart,”  315; 
announces  principles  of  His 
kingdom  iu  the  beatitudes,  311 ; 
addresses  the  Apostles,  316; 
describes  their  office  as  priests 
and  teachers,  317,  318;  perfects 
and  fulfils  the  Old  Law  us  Law¬ 
giver  of  the  New  Testament, 
318,  319 ;  teaches  good  inten¬ 
tion  in  w'orks,  319,  320,  321; 
8ays  how*  we  should  pray,  fast, 
and  give  alms,  320;  condemns 
unjust  suspicion  and  rash  judg¬ 
ment,  322,  323;  concludes  Ser¬ 
mon  on  the  Mount  with  two 


parables,  324:  cures  the  leper, 
325,  326;  rewards  tho  faith  of 
the  centurion,  327;  is  Orel,  329; 
divinity  of,  834,  335,  378,  389. 
421;  tells  the  Jews  of  the  Bread 
of  Life,  352,  413;  tho  Jews 
doubt,  352,  353;  some  of  tho 
disciples  are  scandalized  at 
WOldS  of,  353,  964 f  0t  peter 
makes  an  open  profession  of 
fnith  in,  867,  358:  Jews  did  not 
recognize  divinity  of,  357  ;  (ays 
Temple  tribute,  362;  warns  us 
agninst  riches.  383;  Jews  try  to 
stone,  389;  marriage  feast  sym¬ 
bol  of  union  between  Christ 
ami  His  Church,  401 ;  the  bride¬ 
groom,  406,  107;  obedient  to 
Jewish  law,  411;  institutes 
Blessed  Sacrament  at  Last 
Supper,  413-419;  teaches  neces¬ 
sity  of  grace  in  (amble  of  the 
vine,  422;  ngony  of,  424,  425; 
pleads  for  His  Apostles,  426, 
427;  beforo  Annas  and  Cai- 
has,  429,  430;  before  Herod, 
34;  pious  women  wcop  for 
Him  on  His  way  to  Calvary, 
438,  439;  tho  good  thief  asks 
Christ  to  remember  him,  441; 
New  law  Itegtns  with  death  of, 
443;  blood  ami  water  flow  from 
His  l»ody,  444;  Pharisees  try  to 
keep  His  body  iu  sepulchre, 
446;  Resurrection  of,  446,447, 
448  ;  disci  pies  recognize,  453; 
institute*  confession  and  Sac¬ 
rament  of  Penance,  455 ;  con¬ 
vinces  St.  Thomas .  456;  com¬ 
mands  A(>08tles  to  teach  all 
nations,  459;  promises  Holy 
Ghost  to  Apostles,  460:  sends 
Holy  Ghost,  463;  faith  of  St. 
Stephen  in,  473;  Confirmation 
instituted  by,  475;  saying  of, 
fulfilled,  476;  the  conversion 
of  8t.  Paul  to,  477  ,  478:  w  hat 
He  says  of  those  who  are  mer¬ 
ciful,  480;  St.  Puul’s  love  of, 
491. 

Christian  religion,  341;  univer¬ 
sities,  282;  perfection,  890,  391; 
resisting  Christian  truth,  395; 
St.  Peter  founds  Christian 
community  in  Koine,  494;  Con¬ 
stantine  protects  Christian  re¬ 
ligion,  4%. 

Christianity,  282;  call  of  pagans 


Alphabetical  Index. 


501 


to,  475;  spread  of,  482;  heath¬ 
ens  converted  to,  not  obliged 
to  fulfil  Jewish  Law,  487;  Luke 
is  converted  to,  490;  Apostles 
preach,  494;  Constantine  pro¬ 
tects,  496. 

Christians,  18,  123;  Cornelius 
and,  at  Antioch,  480,  481,  482 
at  Antioch  ordain  St.  Paul 
484:  persecutions  of,  495. 

Christinas  tree,  meaning  of,  271; 
meaning  of  presents  on,  271. 

Church,  Catholic,  18;  Sunday 
changed,  why,  19;  relation  of, 
to  St. Michael,  21,  22;  ark  of  Noe 
figure  of,  41;  tabernacle  figure 
of,  133;  head  of,  139;  teachings 
of,  about  saints,  219;  Catholic, 
only  true,  264 ;  good  ana  bad 
in,  339;  Catholic,  woman  with 
leaven  figure  of,  340;  Catl  olio, 
alone  true  faith.  341;  of  Christ, 
341;  storm-tossed  boat  figure 
of,  343;  St.  Joseph  patron  of 
the,  282:  second  con.  annulment 
of,  291;  St.  Peter  foundation 
of,  294 ;  Catholic  Church’s 
power  to  drive  out  devils.  305; 
St.  Peter’s  net  figure  of  Catho¬ 
lic,  307,  308;  Jesus  watches 
over,  351;  Jesus  makes  St  Peter 
head  of,  357,  358,  359;  succes¬ 
sors  of  St.  Peter  in  the,  360; 
Jesus  founded  but  one,  359; 
likened  to  vineyard,  383,  391; 
words  of  consolation  for,  420; 
kingdom  of  Christ,  434;  proph¬ 
ets  foretold  institution  of,  436; 
devotion  to  Sacred  Heart  ap¬ 
proved  by,  445 ;  bishops  and 
priests  of  Catholic,  have  power 
to  forgive  sins,  455;  built  upon 
Peter,  458;  visible,  459;  Holy 
Ghost  still  with  the,  464;  Pen¬ 
tecost  first  public  appearauco 
of,  464  ;  Gamaliel  defends  inde- 
feetibility  of,  470:  persecution 
of,  in  Jerusalem,  474;  Catholic¬ 
ity  of,  475,  480  independent  of 
Jewish  Law,  480;  God  guides, 
481;  God  punishes  Herod  for 
persecuting  the,  483;  General 
Councils  of,  infallible,  488,  489; 
persecutions  of  the  early,  495, 
496;  Emperor  Constantine  re¬ 
stores  peace  to  the,  496 ;  pres¬ 
ervation  of,  marks  of  true,  496. 

Circumcision,  sign  of  covenant, 


56;  law  of,  figure  of  Baptism, 
57;  of  St.  John  the  Baptist, 
265;  of  Jesus,  feast  of  the, 
274. 

Commandments,  sixth,  58  ; 
fourth,  94;  ten,  given  on  Mount 
Sinai,  126, 127, 128, 129, 130,  131  ; 
second,  of  Church,  136,  291; 
fourth,  179,  208;  eighth,  184, 
323;  fifth,  eighth,  and  ninth, 
225  ;  first,  256,  486.  Samaritan 
woman  sins  against  sixth,  299; 
“  peacemakers  ”  keep  fifth,  315 ; 
self-denial  necossary  to  keep 
the,  324;  fifth,  forbids  scandal, 
364  ;  of  the  love  of  God  and  our 
neighbor,  367,  368;  first  three, 
forbid  sins  against  God,  368  ; 
fifth  and  seventh,  forbid  sins 
against  neighbor,  369,  390 ; 

Scribes  and  ancients  sin 
against  socond,  440;  sin  against 
first,  486. 

Communion,  holy,  120 ;  what 
takes  place  at,  418 ;  of  the 
priest,  419. 

Confession,  why  necessary,  375  ; 
“  Go  show  thyself  to  tho 
priest,”  385,  386;  good,  412, 
433,  455;  Jesus  Christ  insti¬ 
tutes,  455. 

Confirmation,  Sacrament  of,  381, 
474;  Aj>ostles  administer,  475, 
476  ;  bishops  only  can  adminis¬ 
ter,  476  ;  St.  Peter  administers, 
479;  St.  Paul  administers,  492. 

Confraternity  of  the  Holy  Child- 
h< M >d,  47. 

Conscience,  examination  of,  374, 
375,  455. 

Consecration,  what  takes  place 
at,  11  . 

Contrition,  qualities  of,  375,  432; 
kinds  of,  432  ;  most  important 
part  of  Sacrament  of  Penance, 
455. 

Constantine,  Emperor,  restores 
peace  to  Church,  496. 

Core,  revolt  of,  142. 

Corinth,  491. 

Cornelius,  conversion  of,  480,  481, 
482. 

Corpus  Christi,  137. 

Council,  Ecumenical,  422 ;  of 
Jews,  466 ;  of  Trent,  461  ;  St. 
Stephen  before,  472;  of  Jerusa¬ 
lem,  487,  488,  489  ;  general,  of 
Nice,  of  the  Vatican,  488. 


Aljdiabetical  Index. 


502 


Covenant,  with  Noe,  sign  of  the, 
39,  43:  with  Abraham,  sign  of 
the,  56,  57;  G<xl  renews,  126  ; 
Moses  sulmonlshes  Israelites 
not  to  forget  the,  148. 

Create,  meaning,  15 ;  what  created 
on  first  and  second  days,  16; 
what  on  third,  fourth,  fifth, 
aud  sixth  days,  why,  17. 

Creation  of  the  world,  by  whom, 
when,  15 ;  what  happened  at, 
16  ;  days  of,  16,  17  :  of  tho  an¬ 
gels,  19;  of  the  first  man,  of 
Eve,  23;  8t.  Paul  preaches  of 
the,  at  Athens,  490,  491. 

Creator,  15. 

Cross,  Kueriflco  of  the,  and  Mass, 
417,  418,  419 ;  Jesus  carries 
HU,  and  is  eraeUUd,  488, 488 ; 
Jesus  is  mocked  on  the,  440; 
Jesus  dies  on  the,  443 ;  boues  of 
thieves  broken  ou  crosses,  444  ; 
heart  of  Jesus  pierced  on  the, 
444  ;  Jesus  is  taken  down  from 
the,  445;  death  of  Jesus  ou,  439, 
444  ;  Constantino  sees,  iu  the 
sky.  4'.*6. 

Crucifixion.  361. 

“Crucify  Him,”  400,  437. 

Cyprus,  485. 

Daniel,  is  true  to  his  religion, 
222;  virtues  of,  and  his  three 
cnm|kHniou8,  223;  saves  tho 
chaste  Kusauna,  224,  225,  226  ; 
interprets  the  handwriting  on 
tho  wall  to  King  Baltussar,  230, 
231  ;  shows  people  folly  of  idol¬ 
atry,  231  ;  in  tho  lions'  den, 
232,  233 ;  type  of  the  Kesurrec- 
t i* >n  (jurist,  233;  foretold 
return  of  Jews,  234. 

Darius,  231. 

Dathan,  revolt  of,  142. 

David,  chosen  King  of  Israel  by 
tho  Lord,  his  virtues,  plAys  on 
harp  for  Saul,  164  ;  his  home, 
165;  slays  Goliath,  165,  166: 
reward  of,  his  victory  figure  of 
Christ’s  victory  ov»r  Satan, 
167;  Jonathan's  friendship 
for,  167,  168,  169  ;  Saul’s  envy 
of,  169  ;  his  noble  conduct  to¬ 
ward  Saul,  169;  flees  to  moun¬ 
tains,  trusts  iu  God,  virtues  of, 
170  ;  mourns  Jonathan,  171  ; 
governs  the  people  of  Israel, 
172  ;  builds  the  tabernacle  ou 


Mount  Sion,  173 ;  Psalms  of, 
172  ;  prophecies  about  tho  Re¬ 
deemer,  175,  176  ;  sins  against 
tho  fifth  and  sixth  Command¬ 
ments,  176,  177  ;  repents,  177, 
178 ;  his  last  words  and  death, 
179,  180;  typo  of  Christ,  180; 
his  preparations  for  tho  Tem¬ 
ple,  186  ;  Saviour  born  in  the 
city  of,  272  ;  meekness  of,  313, 
355  ;  “Son  of  David,”  355.  400  ; 
prophecy  of,  fulfilled  by  scourg¬ 
ing  of  Christ,  436,  447. 

Day,  16,  17;  Lord’s  day,  Sunday, 
18,  368  ;  of  Atonement,  138, 
283 ;  Candlemas,  277 ;  forty 
days,  291 ;  Last,  353,  480  ;  holy- 
days,  368. 

Dead  Sea,  150. 

Deacons,  election  of,  office  of, 
471  ;  St.  Stephen  first  of,  472, 
473,  474. 

Decius,  4%. 

Deluge,  38;  rnint>ow  after,  30; 
covenant  with  Noe,  39;  causes 
of,  40;  cousequonce  of,  end  of, 

41. 

Demetrius,  incites  riot  against 
St.  Paul,  492. 

Devil,  30 ;  driven  out  by  Jesus, 
305  ;  power  of  the  Church  to 
exorcise  the,  305  ;  Jesus  cures 
nmn  possessed  by  the,  336 ; 
Jesus  drives  dovil  out  of 
daughter  of  woman  of  Cha- 
naan,  355,  356. 

Disciples,  first,  of  Jesus,  292,  293 ; 
of  St.  John  the  liuptist  go  to 
Jesus,  330,  331;  Jesus  tests 
faith  of  His,  354  ;  Jesus  sends 
forth  His  seventy-two,  366,  367 ; 
Jesus  appears  to  two,  451,  452  ; 
breaks  bread  with,  453  ;  flee 
from  Jerusalem,  474;  did  uot 
administer  confirmation,  476. 

Dives,  parable  of,  aud  Lazarus, 
376  ;  sins  of,  punishment,  377  ; 
learn  from,  378. 

Domitlan,  495. 

Earth,  primitive  condition,  16. 

Easter  Sunday,  commemorates 
Resurrection,  448. 

Ecclesiasticus,  239  ;  book  of  Si- 
rach  or,  written  by  Jesus,  son 
of  Siruch,  240;  virtues  recom¬ 
mended  by,  240,  241,  242. 

Ecumenical  Council,  422. 


Alphabetical  Index . 


503 


Egypt,  86,  87,  98,  107,  109,  112, 
113,  150;  Benjamin  in,  92,  94; 
Jacob  goes  to,  99  ;  plagues  of, 
116,  118,  124  ;  Ptolemy  Phila- 
(lelphus  of,  240;  flight  of  the 
Holy  Family  into,  280,  281  ;  re¬ 
ward  of,  282. 

Elcana,  Father  of  Samuel,  159. 

Eleazar,  martyrdom  of,  243,  244. 

Elias,  prophet,  prophesies  fam¬ 
ine,  192;  sent  to  King  Achab, 
193;  goes  to  Sarephta,  raises 
dead  son  of  widow,  194;  sacri¬ 
fice  of,  195 ;  prayer  of,  196 ; 
fasted  forty  days,  291  ;  at  the 
Transfiguration,  361. 

Eliezer,  servant  of  Abraham,  64  ; 
qualities  of,  65. 

Elisous,  God  sends  the  prophet, 
cure  of  Naaman,  200;  punishes 
Giczi,  201. 

Elizabeth,  mother  of  St.  John, 
254 ;  salutes  Mary,  261,  262,  263; 
wants  her  son  called  John,  266 ; 
perseverance  in  prayer  of,  382. 

Emmanuel,  214,  215. 

Emmaus,  451. 

Eneas,  479. 

Ephesus,  Timothy,  bi9hop  of,  490; 
St.  Paul  goes  to,  opposition 
to  him  in,  491,  492;  St.  John, 
bishop  of,  494. 

Ephraim,  101. 

Esau,  sou  of  Isaac,  66 ;  favorite 
of  Isaac,  first-born,  rights  of, 
67;  folly  of,  67,  68  ;  hatred  of 
Jacob,  70;  Jacob’s  fear  of,  74  ; 
his  hatred  is  overcome  by 
Jacob,  77. 

Eadras,  236. 

Esseues,  sect  of  Jews,  249,  250. 

Esther,  saves  the  lives  of  Jews  at 
Babylon,  236;  virtue  and  beauty 
of,  influence  of,  237;  Aman 
opposes,  237,  238 ;  type  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  239. 

Eve,  creation  of,  meaning  of 
word,  25;  temptation,  26;  how 
and  to  what  tempted,  27 ;  blame 
of,  32  ;  blame  of  serpent  by, 
punishment  of,  33;  God  first 
promised  a  Redeemer  to  Adam 
and,  31. 

Extreme  Unction,  Sacrament  of, 
381. 

Ezechias,  piety  of  King,  217; 
enemy  of  King,  prayer  of,  re¬ 
ward,  218. 


Faith,  of  Abraham,  qualities  of, 
50,  51;  sins  against,  256  ;  little, 
of  disciples,  342 ;  of  Roman 
centurion,  327  ;  the  foundation 
of  justification,  332;  grace  of, 
received  in  Baptism,  358  ;  of 
blind  man,  379  ;  qualities  of, 
379,  380;  without  works,  406; 
St.  Peter  denies,  431  ;  St. 
Thomas’s  lack  of,  456  ;  univer¬ 
sal,  452  ;  Church  cannot  err  in, 
489. 

Faithful,  Jesus  prays  for  union 
among,  423  ;  prayer  of  the,  for 
Peter,  483. 

Fall  of  our  first  parents,  26. 

Father,  God  the,  gives  testimony 
of  the  divinity  of  Jesus,  360  ; 
Jesus  says  :  “  I  and  tho  Father 
are  one,”  388  ;  Jesus  prays  for 
glory  with  the,  423;  “Father, 
into  Thy  hands  I  commend 
My  Spirit,”  443;  “  I  ascend  to 
My  Father,”  450. 

Feast,  Paseh  or  Passover,  Pen- 
tocost,  Tabernacle,  Corpus 
Christi,  137;  Annunciation,  260; 
of  tho  Circumcision,  274;  of 
Candlemas.  277;  of  Holy  In¬ 
nocents,  281;  principal,  of  the 
Jews,  283;  of  St.  John  tho 
Baptist,  349;  of  tho  Guardian 
Angels,  22,  364;  of  the  Dedica¬ 
tion  of  the  Temple,  388 ;  mar¬ 
riage  feast,  symbol  of  union  be¬ 
tween  Christ  und  His  Church, 
401;  of  the  Ascension,  461; 
of  Pentecost,  464 ;  of  St. 
Stephen,  474. 

Fiery  furnace,  three  young  men 
in  the,  227 ;  virtues  of  the  young 
men,  228. 

Firmament,  16. 

First-born,  killing  of  the,  118, 
119,  121. 

Fish,  caught  for  Temple  tribute, 
363;  miraculous  draught  of 
fishes,  457. 

Gabriel,  announces  birth  of  St. 
John  and  strikes  Zachary 
dumb,  meaning  of  word  Ga¬ 
briel,  256;  foretells  the  birth  of 
Jesus,  257,  258,  259. 

Galilee,  258;  Cana  in,  294;  Jesus 
preaches  in,  302;  Sea  of,  Jesus 
preaches  from  boat  on  Sea  of, 
306;  Jesus  commands  St.  Peter 


504 


Alphabetical  Index 


to  cast  net  on  Sea  of,  307;  mi¬ 
raculous  draught  of  fishes  in 
Hon  of,  306,  307;  Herod,  gover¬ 
nor  of,  434. 

Gamaliel,  counsel  of,  469,  470, 

Gotleon,  most  renowned  of  tho 
judges,  154;  type  of  Christ  155. 

Golboe  Mountains,  219. 

“  Generation,”  tho  Jewish, people, 
405. 

Genesareth,  I^ake  of,  357;  mirac¬ 
ulous  draught  of  Ashes  on, 
306,  307;  Lak<-  of,  ilgure  of  the 
world,  307;  Jesus  preaches  on, 
parable  of  the  Sower,  337,  338. 

Gentiles,  217  ,  396,  454;  Word  of 
God  to  the,  240;  Just  before 
birth  of  Christ,  249, 250;  tiimoon 
calls  Christ  n  light  to,  257; 
Simeon’s  prophecy,  276  ;  St. 
Paul  preaches  to  tho,  485;  do 
not  have  to  keep  Jewish  Iaw, 
487,  488. 

Giesti,  lies  to  Eliseus  and  Naa- 
mnn,  201. 

God,  eternal,  15;  almighty,  Cre¬ 
ator,  16;  “God  rested,  pre¬ 
serves,  governs,  18 ;  infinitely 
perfect  spirit,  why.  20;  all-just, 
21;  image  of,  23;  truthful,  29; 
mercy  of,  32;  justice  of,  faith¬ 
ful,  33:  mercy  and  forbearance, 
35;  children  of,  3*;  His  cove¬ 
nant  with  Noe,  39,  43;  His 
promise  to  Abrahum,  49;  Abra¬ 
ham's  lovo  of,  62;  satisfied  with 
good  will,  His  third  promise  of 
a  Redeemer,  63;  His  promise 
t  ■  Jac< '1'.  72;  all-wis  •.  109;  re¬ 
veals  Himself  to  Moses,  112; 
all-good,  113  ;  long-suffering, 
117;  justice  of,  119;  gooduess, 
122,  123 ;  Church  of,  140 ;  pre¬ 
pares  heathen  for  Redeemer, 
194,  236;  Word  of,  to  tho  Gen¬ 
tiles,  240;  how  we  adore,  302; 
all-merciful,  almighty,  omnis¬ 
cient,  310;  “justice  of,”  322; 
Christ  is,  329 ;  judgment-seat 
of,  345  ;  Jesus  recommends 
confidence  in,  347;  command¬ 
ment  of  the  love  of,  367, 
368;  His  justice,  376;  patient 
and  long-suffering,  384  ;  three 
Persons  in,  388,  389  ;  riches 
turn  men’s  hearts  from,  391 ; 
worship  we  owe,  403  ;  despair 
of,  His  mercy,  432;  Jesus  the 


Hon  of,  429,  443;  Resurrection 
proves  Christ  Hon  of,  447 ; 
guided  early  Church,  481 ;  altar 
at  Athens  to  the  “unknown,” 
491. 

Goliath,  tho  Philistino  giant, 
165;  challenges  Israelites,  166; 
Ihivid  slavs,  1  1H1. 

Good  Friday,  444. 

Gospel,  Gentiles  receive,  with  joy, 
485,  491. 

Graco,  301,  407;  sanctifying,  29, 
322,  326,  838,  372.  402.  4ns  , 
mortal  sin  kills  sanctifying, 
323;  sins  ugninst,  336  .  337;  act¬ 
ual,  300,  372,  407;  of  God,  338  ; 
of  God  resisted,  379,  384;  every 
ono  gives  sufficient,  384  ;  co¬ 
operating  with,  392,  408,  496; 
i.  Judas  re¬ 

sists,  427;  power  of,  shown  by 
conversion  of  Ht.  Paul,  477,478. 

<  »r*  <  '2. 

Greek,  Old  Testament  translated 
into,  239,  the  Soptuagint,  240. 

Hadrian,  495. 

Handwriting  on  wall,  2:10,  231. 

Huran,  49;  home  of  Abraham’s 
brother,  65,  299. 

Heuveu,  lot  of  just  In,  410,  424. 

Hebrew,  108;  Old  Testnmont 
translated  from,  into  Greek.  239. 

Hell,  wicked  sons  of,  159;  punish¬ 
ment  of,  160,  161. 

Hell,  limbo,  80;  Dives  cast  into, 
377-;  jutins  of,  377,  378  ;  fate  of 
damned  in,  410. 

Herod,  150;  King  of  the  Jews 
uuder  Romans,  250;  tho  Great, 
Herod  Anti^is,  Herod  Agrippa 
I.,  Herod  Agripjsi  II.,  253 ; 
Herod’s  plans  ugaiust  the  Holy 
Child,  278,  279,  280;  commands 
slaughter  of  Innocents,  281 ; 
death  of,  282;  Ht.  John  ail  mon¬ 
ishes  Herod,  330;  beheads  Ht. 
John  the  Baptist,  348;  sins  of, 
348,  349  ;  Jesus  before,  434 ; 
Herod  Agrippa  intends  to  put 
Ht.  Peter  to  death,  482;  God 
frustrates  Herod’s  plan,  pun¬ 
ishment  of,  483. 

Holofernos,  219,  220. 

Holy  Communion.  120;  food  for 
the  soul,  355,  400;  Christ  dis¬ 
tributes,  to  Apostles  at  Last 
Supper,  416. 


Alphabetical  Index. 


505 


Holy  Eucharist,  120,  125,  381,  445, 
453  ;  miracle  of  loaves  and 
fishes,  figure  of,  350 ;  mystery 
of  the,  revealed,  351 ;  feast  for 
sinner,  376;  sacrament  and 
sacrifice,  415,  416, 

Holy  Family,  in  Egypt,  282 ;  in 
Jeru salem,  283. 

Holy  Ghost,  128,  455 ;  sin  against, 
40;  power  of  the,  upon  Mary, 
259,  260  ;  reveals  mystery  of 
Mary’s  honor  to  Elizabeth,  261, 
262,  263;  Jews  sin  against  the, 
336,  394,  395;  the  six  sins 
against  the,  336,  337 ;  reveals 
Redeemer  to  Simeon,  276 ;  de¬ 
scends  in  form  of  a  dove  at  the 
baptism  of  Jesus,  290  ;  Judafl 
Bins  against,  420;  the  Paraclete, 
422  ;  Jesus  promises  to  send, 
459,  460  ;  descends  upon  Apos¬ 
tles,  463  ;  still  with  Church, 
464  ;  Jews  resist,  472,  473 ;  re¬ 
ceived  in  Confirmation,  475, 
476;  inspires  Cornelius,  480; 
inspires  councils  of  Church, 
488,  489. 

Holy  Innoceuts,  slaughter  of, 
feast  of,  281. 

Holy  Orders,  sacrament  of,  381, 
484. 

Holy  Trinity,  389. 

Holy  Week,  Lamentations  sung 
in,  223:  commemorates  Passion 
of  Our  Lord,  396. 

Iconium,  St.  Paul  and  St.  Barna¬ 
bas  at,  485,  486. 

Idolaters,  47. 

Idolatry,  universal,  45 ;  of  Israel¬ 
ites,  49,  204  ;  of  golden  calf,  129; 
Daniel  shows  folly  of,  231 ;  of 
heathens,  250;  of  people  of 
Iconium,  486. 

Immaculate  Conception,  31. 

Incarnation,  first  revealed  to 
Mary  and  Elizabeth,  268  ;  re¬ 
vealed  to  St.  Joseph,  268,  269; 
Mary  became  our  mother  at, 
265. 

Infallibility,  421,  422 ;  denial  of 
St.  Peter  not  against  his,  431; 
of  General  Councils,  489. 

Intention,  good,  404. 

Isaac,  102,  103,  107,  112,  327  ;  son 
of  Abraham,  to  be  sacrificed,  61, 
62  ;  type  of  Christ,  63  ;  marries 
Rebecca,  wife  of  liis  own  coun¬ 


try  and  kindred,  64  ;  sons  of, 
66  ;  Esau  favorite  son  of,  first¬ 
born,  67  :  type  of  Jesus  carry¬ 
ing  His  cross,  438. 

Isaias,  prophecies  of,  concerning 
the  Redeemer,  214,  215,  216, 
217  ;  Jesus  reads  passage  from, 
303  ;  prophecy  of,  fulfilled,  378, 
435,  436,  437. 

Israel,  276  :  people  of,  46  ;  history 
of,  father  of,  land  of,  48  ;  the 
angel  calls  Jacob  “Israel,”  77  ; 
peoplo  of,  in  Egypt,  107,  112, 
114  ;  Saul  made  king  of,  162  ; 
greatness  of,  172 ;  division  of 
kingdom  of,  190;  capital  of, 
king  of,  191  ;  Elias  prophesies 
drought  for,  193;  miracle  of 
Elias,  196  ;  final  overthrow  of 
kingdom  of,  204, 205, 206 ;  ruler 
in,  211,  271,  278;  Nathanael 
calls  Jesus  King  of,  294  ;  Jesus 
praises  the  faith  of  the  cen¬ 
turion  as  greater  than  any  in, 
327  ;  Gamaliel  appeals  to  men 
1 1,  for  ajH tat 1 68,  170. 

Israelites,  107,  110  ;  depart  from 
Egypt,  118;  and  the  paschal 
lamb,  119, 120  ;  led  through  Red 
Sea,  121, 122, 123  ;  in  the  desert, 
124,  125,  126  ;  receive  ten  Com¬ 
mandments,  127,  128;  golden 
calf  of,  129,  130  ;  tabernacle  of, 
131,  132,  133,  134  ;  spies  of,  140, 
141  ;  murmur  against  God,  144 ; 
punishment  of,  145 ;  Moses 
admonishes  the,  148  ;  Moses 
promises  the  Israelites  a  great 
prophet,  a  Redeemer,  149;  enter 
the  Promised  Land,  151,  152  ; 
infidelity  of,  153;  Samuel  brings 
back  to  faith,  161  ;  Solomon 
governs  the,  181 ;  vices  of  the, 

204  ;  Tobias  in  the  captivity  of, 

205  ;  forty  years  in  desert,  291 ; 
manna  of,  figure  of  Blessed 
Sacrament,  414. 

Jacob,  103,  112,  146,  147,  327  ;  son 
of  Isaac,  66 ;  favorite  son  of 
Rebecca,  67 ;  deceives  Isaac, 
68,  69 ;  flight  of,  why,  fear  of 
Esau,  70  ;  punishment  of,  lone¬ 
liness  of,  71  ;  vision  of,  ladder 
of,  God’s  promise  to,  72  ;  meets 
Rachel,  73  ;  with  Laban,  his  re¬ 
ward,  his  return,  74 ;  asks 
Esau’s  forgiveness,  prays, 


50G 


Alphabetical  Index. 


qualities  of  his  prayer,  75 ; 
wrestling  with  an  angel,  76; 
overcomes  Esau’s  hatred,  sons 
of,  77  :  Joseph,  favorite  son  of, 

78  ;  his  grief  for  Joseph,  80  ; 
the  sons  of,  in  Egypt,  89,  90, 
91  ;  sends  Benjamin  to  Egypt, 
92 ;  returns  Joseph’s  money, 
why,  93 ;  goes  into  Egypt.  99, 

100  ;  prophesies  Juda  s  rule, 

101  ;  is  mourned  in  Egypt,  102; 
his  descendants  in  Egypt,  107  ; 
God’s  promise  to,  113:  his 
promise  to  Juda  being  fulfilled, 

j66j  fulfilment  of  prop) . y  .-f, 

to  Juda,  250  ;  well  of,  299. 

Jairus,  daughter  of,  raised  by 
Jesus,  344.  896. 

Japheth,  virtues  of,  44;  descend¬ 
ants  of,  46. 

Jealousy,  of  Joseph’s  brothors, 

79  ;  sin  of,  81. 

Jeremtas,  Lamentations  of,  223  ; 
foretold  return  of  Jews,  234  ; 
Jews  think  Jesus  is,  357. 

Jericho,  taking  of,  152 ;  Jesus 
visits  Zacheus  nt,  39G,  397. 

Jeroboam,  King  of  Israel,  191 ; 
punishment  of,  192. 

Jerusalem,  1H6,  235,  453,  460,  479, 
4'.'3  ;  capital  of  J od&,  191  ; 
Micheas  prophesies  destruc¬ 
tion  of,  211  ;  Nabucbodonosor 
takes,  222  ;  Jeremlas  describes 
destruction  of,  223,  near  Beth¬ 
lehem,  270  .  Magi  I'M  1  t".  278; 
Mary  and  Joseph  go  up  to,  283; 
Jesus  remains  in,  jv:,  jh4  ;  Sa¬ 
maritans  tried  to  prevent  build¬ 
ing  of.  300,  370  ;  Jesus  goes  to, 
396  ;  Jesus  enters,  in  triumph, 
398,  399;  Jesus  foretells  the 
destruction  of,  399,  405  ;  Jesus 
weens  over,  400  ;  figure  of  hard¬ 
ened  sinner,  400 ;  destruction 
of,  405  ;  Council  of,  487,  488, 
489  ;  8t.  James,  bishop  of,  488  ; 
St.  Paul  goes  t",  MS ;  St.  Sim¬ 
eon,  bishop  of,  495. 

Jesse,  215. 

Jesus,  147,  214 ;  prophecies  of 
Isaias  concerning,  215  ;  Gabriel 
announces  the  birth  of,  to 
Mary,  257  ;  ringing  of  the  Ange- 
lus  reminds  us  of  Incarnation 
of,  260  ;  born  in  stable  in  Beth¬ 
lehem,  268,  269,  270,  271  ;  mean¬ 
ing  of  word,  269  ;  birth  of,  cel¬ 


ebrated,  271  ;  birth  of,  an¬ 
nounced  to  shepherds,  272 ; 
*'  Princo  of  Peace,”  273  ;  cir¬ 
cumcision  of,  274  ;  presentation 
of,  in  the  Temple,  274,  275; 
Simeon  recognizes  the  Re¬ 
deemer,  275,  276;  in  tho 
Temple,  283  ;  finding  of,  in  tho 
Temple,  284  ;  answer  of,  284  ; 
285;  subject  to  His  parents, 
285,  286  ;  cures  tho  man  who 
was  blind  and  deaf,  336  ; 
preaches  on  tho  Lako  of  Geno- 
saroth,  gives  parable  of  tho 
sower,  337,  338  :  in  the  tempest, 
342,  343;  heals  woman  afflicted 
with  an  issuo  of  blood  and 
raises  daughter  of  Jairus,  343, 
344  ,  345;  appears  to  disciples 
on  tho  way  to  Emmaus,  451  ; 
baptises  by  fire,  287  ;  baptism 
of,  289,  290  ;  first  disciples  of, 
294;  first  Apostle  of,  293,  294  ; 
first  miracle  of,  at  Cana,  294, 
295,  296 ;  drives  the  money¬ 
changers  from  the  Templo,  296, 
297 ;  seeks  NIcodemus,  296,298  ; 
at  the  well  of  Jaoob,  299  ;  talks 
with  Samaritan  woman,  300, 
301  ;  sermon  of,  at  Nazareth  in 
Galilee,  302,  303  ;  cures  the 
nurnlytic  at  Capharnaum,  308, 
309,  310  ;  preaches  tho  sermon 
on  tho  Mount, 31 1-325:  preaches 
irinciples  of  Christian  morality 
u  the  eight  beatitudes,  311  ; 
poor  in  spirit,  312 ;  meek  and 
humble,  313  ;  tells  us  not  to  be¬ 
come  attached  to  “treasures 
ou  earth,”  321,  322  ;  condemns 
rash  judgment,  322  ;  cures  tho 
leper,  325,  326  ;  meets  the  Ro¬ 
man  centurion,  326 ;  praises  the 
faith  of  the  centurion  and  cures 
his  servant,  327  ;  raises  the  son 
of  the  widow  of  Naim,  328,  329  ; 
8t.  John  sends  his  disciples  to, 
330,  331  ;  pardons  Mary  Magda¬ 
len,  331,  332;  cures  the  man 
who  had  been  sick  for  thirty- 
eight  years,  333,  334 ;  recom¬ 
mends  confidence  in  God,  347  ; 
miracle  of  the  loaves  and  fishes, 
349,  350;  goodness  of,  350; 
walks  upon  the  waters  and 
stills  the  storm,  351  ;  promises 
to  give  the  Jews  food  that  will 
never  perish,  352,  353 ;  tests 


Alphabetical  Index. 


507 


disciples,  354;  fulfils  promise 
and  institutes  Blessed  Sacra¬ 
ment,  355  ;  promises  St.  Peter 
the  keys  to  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven,  357,  358,  359  ;  Trans¬ 
figuration  on  Mount  Thabor, 
360,  3G1;  prophesies  the  Resur¬ 
rection,  362  ;  pays  the  Temple 
tribute,  362,  363 ;  blesses  the 
little  children,  warns  Apostles 
against  scandal,  363,  364  ;  sends 
forth  His  disciples,  366,  367 ; 
proclaims  the  commandments 
of  love  of  God  and  of  our 
neighbor,  867,  868 ;  relates  the 
parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan, 
368,  369  ;  consures  Martha,  370; 
praises  Mary,  371  ;  relates  the 
parable  of  the  Good  Shepherd 
and  the  lost  sheep,  371,  372; 
the  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son, 
373,  374,  375  ;  gives  sight  to  the 
man  born  blind,  378,379,380; 
teaches  the  apostles  the  Our 
Father,  381  ;  cures  the  ten 
lepers,  385  ;  at  the  Feast  of  the 
Dedication  of  the  Temple  re¬ 
veals  His  divinity,  388,  389; 
meets  the  rich  young  man,  389, 
390,  391 ;  raising  of  Lazarus 
prctof  of  divinity  of,  393,  394, 
395;  foretells  His  Passion  and 
Death,  395,  396 ;  enters  the 
house  of  Zacheus,  397  ;  anoint¬ 
ed  by  Mary  Magdalen,  397, 398 ; 
enters  Jerusalem  in  triumph 
and  foretells  its  destruction, 
398,399;  weeps  over  Jerusalem, 
400  ;  predicts  unfaithfulness  of 
Jewish  people  in  parable  of 
the  Marriage  Feast,  400,  401 ; 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  ask  Him 
about  the  coin  of  tribute,  402, 
403  ;  praises  widow’s  mite,  404; 
foretells  destruction  of  Jeru¬ 
salem,  405  ;  keeps  the  Feast  of 
the  Paschal  Lamb  and  washes 
the  feet  of  the  Apostles, 411, 412 ; 
institutes  the  Blessed  Sacra¬ 
ment  at  Last  Supper,  413-419 ; 
foretells  the  betrayal  by  Judas, 
419,  420;  foretells  the  denial  of 
St.  Peter,  420,  421,  430;  bids 
farewell  to  Apostles,  420,  421, 
422,  423  ;  gives  the  parable  of 
the  vine,  423  ;  agony  of,  in  the 
garden,  424,  425,  426  ;  taken 
prisoner  in  the  garden,  426, 


427  ;  is  denied  three  times  by 
St.  Peter,  430,  431,  432  ;  accusa¬ 
tions  against,  before  Pilate, 
433,  434 ;  scourged,  crowned 
with  thorns,  and  condemned  to 
death,  435,  436,  437  ;  meets  His 
Mother  on  way  to  Calvary,  439; 
carries  His  cross  and  is  cruci¬ 
fied,  438,  439  ;  speaks  the  seven 
last  words  and  dies  on  the 
cross,  439-444;  is  laid  in  the 
sepulchre,  444,  445,  446 ;  side 
of,  is  pierced  by  soldier,  444  ; 
rises  glorified  from  the  dead, 
446  ;  appears  to  Mary  Magda¬ 
len,  449,  450,  451  ;  appears  to 
St.  Peter,  450 ;  makes  St. 
Peter  supremo  pastor,  457,458, 
459 ;  promises  to  send  Holy 
Ghost,  459,  460 ;  ascends  into 
heaven,  461;  gives  Apostles 
and  their  successors  threefold 
office,  460  ;  St.  Stephen  prays 
to,  473;  disciples  of,  flee  from 
Jerusalem,  474. 

Josus,  son  of  Sirach,  Ecclesiasti- 
cus,  240. 

Jesus  Christ,  31  ;  types  of,  see 
under  Christ ;  miracles  of,  see 
under  Christ ;  priests  act  in 
name  of,  143 ;  prophecy  of 
Moses,  149  ;  true  God,  214  ;  the 
Sower,  337,  338 ;  alone  can  save 
us,  341  ;  the  kingls  son,  400, 
401 ;  in  the  parable  of  the  tal¬ 
ents,  406,  407  ;  institutes  Sacra¬ 
ment  of  Penance  and  Confes¬ 
sion,  455 ;  St.  Peter  cures  a 
lame  man  in  the  name  of.  465, 
466  ;  St.  Paul  preaches  of,  at 
Athens,  490,  491. 

Jethro,  111. 

Jews,  233  ;  Cain,  figure  of,  37 ; 
Babylonian  captivity  of,  222 ; 
return  of,  from  Babylonian  cap¬ 
tivity,  234 ;  Esther  saves,  at 
Babylon,  236,  237,  238,  239  ; 
Antiochus  oppresses  the,  243; 
just  before  birth  of  Christ,  249, 
250,  251 ;  census  of,  under  Au¬ 
gustus,  269,  270  ;  sin  against 
Holy  Ghost,  336,  337  ;  dispute 
between,  and  Samaritans,  301 ; 
of  Nazareth  refuse  to  believe  in 
Jesus,  303,  304;  Jesus  foretells 
the  lack  of  faith  of  the,  327; 
blame  Jesus  for  curing  a  man  on 
the  Sabbath,  334 ;  wish  to  make 


508  Alphabetical  Index. 


Christ  king,  350  ;  doubt  Christ. 
352,  353;  Messlas  promised 
first  to,  350  ;  think  Jesus  ono  of 
the  prophets,  357;  Jesus  asks 
about  Temple  tribute,  362.  363; 
did  not  bring  forth  fruits  of 
penance,  3*4 ;  Jesus  reveals 
ills  Divinity  to,  3*8 ;  trv  to 
stone  Jesus,  3*9  ;  some  Jews 
believe  in  Jesus,  395  ;  punish¬ 
ment  of,  401  ;  demand  the  death 
of  Jesus,  430;  choose  between 
ltarabbas  and  Christ,  435;  cry 
“Crucify  Him,"  437  ;  ask  for  a 
guard  over  sepulchre,  446  ;  Ht. 
Peter  preaches  to,  454  ;  Church 
not  ouly  for,  475  ;  cast  8t.  Peter 
into  prison,  4*2  ;  refuse  to 
listen  to  8t.  l*aul,  4*5,  4*6. 

Jewish,  people,  109  ;  Temple,  1*6, 
1*7,  1*9;  nation  saved  by  Ju¬ 
dith,  219  ;  sects,  219, 250  ;  prin- 
ci|Nil  blasts,  2*3;  p«M>plo  un¬ 
faithful  to  call  of  Mesa  las,  400, 
4<»1  .  priest,  Josephus  FluVlU*, 
405,  494  ;  Law,  Jesus  obedient 
to,  411;  priests.  466;  I^iw. 
heathens  converted  indopend- 
eat  of,  4*0,  4*7,  4**. 

JeXabol,  sius  of,  19*.  199. 

Joaeliiin,  father  of  lik**Hcd  Vir¬ 
gin,  258. 

Job,  riches  of,  103  ;  a  fillet  Ions  ami 
trials  of,  101;  |*ttlencoand  faith 
of,  105  ;  reward  of,  106  ;  poor  iu 
spirit,  312;  leprosy  of,  325. 

Juab,  171. 

Joel  and  Mioheas,  prophets  to 
Judu,  210,  211 

John  the  Ajtostlo,  293,  361. 

Jonas,  sin  of,  (mhI  oommauds 
him  to  go  to  Niuive,  is  pun¬ 
ished,  202,  203 ;  God’s  inorey 
to,  tho  whale  casts  up,  converts 
tho  Ninivites,  a  type  of  Christ, 
203;  a  typo  of  lies  ur  root  ion, 
447. 

Jouuthan,  who  was,  love  and 
friendship  of,  for  David,  167, 
16*  ;  saves  David,  169  ;  death 
of,  171. 

Joppe,  479. 

Jordan,  river,  52  ;  Josuo  leads 
Israelites  through  the,  151, 
152  ;  Jesus  baptized  iu  tho, 
289,  290,  360. 

Joseph,  sold  by  his  brothers,  77  ; 
tho  favorito,  his  dreams,  78, 


79 ;  jealousy  of  his  brothers, 
79  ;  type  of  Christ.  *1,  98  ;  in 
tho  house  of  Putiphar,  82,  83; 
in  prison.  84.  85  ;  interprets 
dreams  of  Plmrao,  86,  87  ;  his 
reward,  88  :  his  brothers  oorno 
to  Kgypt,  89  ;  sends  for  Ben¬ 
jamin,  90 ;  tests  his  brothers 
with  money, 91  ;  virtues  of,  92  ; 
greet*  benjamin,  94  ;  his  sil¬ 
ver  cup,  96,  96  ;  makes  him¬ 
self  known  to  his  brothers,  97  ; 
asks  his  father  and  brothers  to 
come  to  Egypt,  98 ;  honors 
his  father,  100  ;  prophesies  re¬ 
turn  to  (’barman,  bis  death,  102. 

Joseph  of  Arlmathoa.  415. 

Josephus  Flavius,  406,  494. 

Judu,  79,  96;  Jacob  prophesies 
bis  nils,  lot,  IQS  ■  I rit  •>  of,  at 
Itotblchcm.  165;  promise  to, 
being  fulfilled,  165;  loyal  to 
llolsmin,  capital  of  klugdom 
of,  191  ;  J'H'l  preaches  to  peo¬ 
ple  of,  210;  Mlchens  preoebe* 
to,  211  ;  Idolatry  and  punish¬ 
ment  of  |s<op|e  of,  217  ;  King 
Kzecbbui,  21*:  dest ruction  of 
kingdom  of,  222;  fulfilment  of 
Jacob's  prophecy  about,  250; 
the  sceptre  |>u**c.h  from,  253. 

Judas  Muchabeu*,  246;  bravery 
ami  faith  of,  247,  24*;  offers 
sacrifice  for  those  fallen  iu 
battle,  248. 

Judas  Iscariot,  avarice  of,  397, 
398;  Jesus  foretells  betrayal 
of,  at  Lust  Supper,  419;  sins 
aguinst  Holy  Gbost,  420  ;  Jesus 
up|s*al«  to,  427  ;  consequence  of 
his  resistance  to  grace,  427  ; 
despair  and  death  of,  432. 

Judea,  311,  460  ;  Jews  return  to, 
234  ;  under  Antiochus,  king  of 
Syria,  243  ;  under  Homans,  249, 
250  ;  Herod  the  Great,  king  of, 
253  ;  the  A|*>stles  go  through, 
348  ;  disciples  in,  474. 

Judge,  at  tho  Last  Judgment, 
409,  410. 

Judges,  the,  sent  to  deliver  the 
Israelites,  153,  154 ;  Gedeou, 
164,  18  ■ 

Judgment,  j»articular,  81 ;  rash, 
83,  104  ;  particular,  of  the  soul, 
*j :  >  i  :  Christ  oondemus  nab, 
322,  323  ;  last,  334,  408,  409,  410; 
general  or  last,  and  tho  par- 


Alphabetical  Index. 


509 


tlculftr,  335,  405  ;  seat  of  God, 
345,  407  ;  rash,  of  Pharisee,  387. 

Judith,  pious  widow,  saves  Jews, 
219,  220  ;  typo  of  Blessed  Virgin, 
221. 

Jupiter,  486. 

Josuo,  140  ;  successor  of  Moses, 
147  ;  the  Lord  encourages,  151 ; 
loads  Israelites  through  tho 
Jordan,  151  ;  typo  of  Christ, 
153  ;  death  of,  153. 

Laban,  70  :  brother  of  Rebecca, 
sou  of  Bathuel,  71 ;  his  kiud- 
noss  to  Jacob,  73  ;  jealousy  of, 
74. 

Lamb,  Paschal,  118,  119;  type 
of  Christ,  120;  tho  “  Lamb  of 
God,”  292  ;  eating  of  Paschal, 
411. 

Land,  17. 

Last  Suppor,  458,  460;  Blessed 
Sacrament  instituted  at,  855, 
•113.  414;  Jesus  Christ  the 
Priest,  at,  416  ;  Our  I^rd  makes 
Apostles  priests  at,  417  ;  Jesus 
foretells  betrayal  by  Judas  at, 

41  g  j'j,) 

Law,  472  ;  tables  of  the,  132;  Old, 
Now,  and  priesthood,  139; 
Moses  law-giver  of  Old,  Christ 
of  New,  150  ;  priesthood  of  New, 
212;  read  publicly  by  Esdras, 
236:  martyrdom  of  Eleazar  for 
tho,  244  ;  of  the  Old  Testament, 
Jesus  acknowledges,  274  ;  wor¬ 
ship  of  Old,  of  Now,  302 ;  Christ 
as  Law-giver  of  New  Testa¬ 
ment  fulfils  and  perfects  Old, 
318,  319;  Jesus  explains  the 
two  great  Command  incuts  to 
tho  doctor  of,  367,  368  :  Jewish, 
about  lepers,  385 ;  Jesus  obe¬ 
dient  to  Jewish,  411  ;  love-feast 
of  Old,  419  ;  Old,  passes,  New, 
begins,  with  death  of  Christ, 
443  ;  Gamaliel,  doctor  of,  469, 
470  ;  Jewish,  not  binding  for 
Christians,  480,  487. 

Lazarus,  312  ;  parable  of  Dives 
and,  376  ;  reward  of,  377  ;  learn 
from,  378  ;  raising  of,  393,  391, 
395. 

Lent,  203 ;  commemorates  Pas¬ 
sion  of  Jesus,  396. 

Leper,  Christ  cures  the,  325,  326  ; 
Jesus  cures  the  ten,  one  only 
is  grateful,  385, 


Leprosy,  Naaman  cured  of,  by 
Eliseus,  200 ;  Ozias  stricken 
with,  213  ;  worst  affliction  the 
devil  could  give  to  Job,  325; 
flguro  of  sin,  326,  385. 

Lesbos,  493. 

Levitcs,  tribo  of  Levi,  138 ;  chosen 
by  David  to  sing  hymns,  174. 

Light,  16. 

Limbo,  80,  285  ;  Christ  doscouds 
to,  448. 

Lord’s  Day,  19. 

Lot,  dispute  of  his  herdsmen, 
51  ;  Abraham  gives,  his  choice 
of  land,  52  ;  punishment  of  his 
selfishness,  53 ;  ho  and  his 
family  spared,  58 ;  temporal 
punishmont  of  his  wifo,  60. 

Luke,  490. 

Lydda,  479. 

Lystra,  490. 

Macedonia,  St.  Paul  goes  to,  489, 

L92. 

Maehabeos,  martyrdom  of,  214, 
245  ;  mother  of,  2 15. 

Madian,  110,  111  ;  Gedeon  com¬ 
manded  to  deliver  tho  Israelites 
from  the,  154. 

Magnificat,  337  ;  Mary  answers 
Elizabeth  with  the,  263;  divided 
into  throe  parts,  264. 

Malchus,  Jesus  heals  tho  car  of, 
after  Peter  cut  it  ofT,  426,  427. 

Magi,  adoration  of  tho,  277;  what 
led  them  to  Jerusalem,  Herod 
aud  the,  278  ;  gifts  of  the,  279  ; 
their  return,  angel  warns  them 
against  Herod,  280,  281. 

Man,  creation  of,  23  ;  gifts  of, 
name,  Adam,  24 ;  first  sin,  26. 

Mane,  230,  231. 

Manasses,  101. 

Manna,  125  ;  flguro  of  Blessed 
Sacrament,  414. 

Marcus  Aurelius,  495. 

Mardochai,  uncle  of  Queen  Es¬ 
ther,  237  ;  accused  of  conspir¬ 
acy,  238. 

Marriage,  by  whom  instituted, 
when,  not  to  bo  dissolved,  25; 
sanctified  by  Christ,  a  sacra¬ 
ment,  26  :  mixed  marriages,  64  ; 
Christian  preparation  for,  208, 
209  ;  parable  of  tho  Marriage 
Feast,  400,  401,  406. 

Martha  and  Mary,  receive  Jesus 
in  their  home,  370, 371 ;  Martha 


510 


A  \ph  abet  i cal  T ri  dcx 


professes  her  belief  in  Him, 

304. 

Mary*  Virgin,  victory  of.  exoop- 
tion  from  original  sin.  Immac- 
u late  Conception,  31  ;ark  figure 
of,  41  ;  Judith  typo  of,  221  ;  Es¬ 
ther  tyj*o  of,  239;  Gabriel  an¬ 
nounce*  birth  of  Jesus  to,  257, 
258,  259  ;  belonged  to  house  of 
David,  258.  free  from  sin,  259; 
visits  her  cousin  Kllrabeth, 
261  ;  anawera  Elisabeth  with 
tho  Magnificat,  263 ;  declared 
llleaaed,  336,  337  ;  and  Joseph 
present  the  Infant  Jeaua  in  tne 
Temple,  274  ,  275  ;  prophecy  of 
Simeon  about  Jeaua  and,  276; 
flight  into  Egypt,  2*0;  and  Jo. 
aeph  go  up  to  Jeruaalem  for 
Easter,  2*3  ;  Mary  *  aorrow  at 
loaing  Jesus,  2*4.  285  ;  at  mar¬ 
riage'  feaat  of  ('ana,  294.  295, 
296  ;  uieeta  Jeaua  on  way  to 
Calvary,  439  ;  at  the  Croaa,  439, 
441,  442;  help*  to  bury  Jeaua, 
445. 

Mary  Magdalen,  tho  |»>nitcnt, 
men  t<*  J-  til.  352  ; 

anoint*  Jesus,  397  ;  Jeaua  de¬ 
fend*,  against  Judos,  398;  at 
the  crucifixion,  439  ;  Jeaua  np- 

iarnra  to,  451. 

[aster,”  450;  dh*d  on  croaa. 
451. 

Muaa,  sacrifice  of  M>4chiscdsch 
type  of,  what  Moan  ia,  the  New 
Law,  55 ;  Ob!  Law  sacrifices 
tyne  of,  136,  139  ;  what  ia  the, 
417  ;  difference  between,  and 
Sacrifice  of  the  Cross,  |«urt*  of, 
418  ;  why  Jesus  instituted,  419; 
deacous’assist  at  solemn  High, 
471. 

Mutbatbias,  father  of  Judas 
Machabeus,  247. 

Matrimony,  Sacrament  of,  381. 
Mixenttoi,  4M 
Modes  and  Persians,  231. 
Mediterranean  Sea,  479. 
Melchisedech,  51,  175 ;  who  he 
was,  sacrifice  of,  type  of  Christ, 
54. 

Men,  multiplication  of  sins  of, 
eons  of,  children  of,  38. 
Mercury,  486. 

Morey,  works  of,  corporal  works 
of,  54,  300,  314,  315;  Tobias’ 
works  of,  205 ;  spiritual  works 


of.  314  :  corporal,  328  ;  spirit¬ 
ual,  330 ;  of  Jesus  to  Mary 
Magdalen,  .Til.  832,  333  ;  of  God 
to  St.  Paul,  477,  478:  reward  of 
woi  k»  of.  480. 

Mess  la*.  136,  314.  301  ;  Ruth  and 
IWx.r,  ancestors  of,  157,  158; 
prophecy  of  David  concerning, 
175  .  time  for,  at  hand,  254  ;  St. 
John  taken  for  the,  288:  8f. 
John  recognise#  Jesus  as,  289; 
Philip  and  Nathanael  recognise 
Jesus  as,  2tM  :  Jews  refuse  to 
believe  in,  303.  804  ;  prophecies 
concerning,  fulfilled,  303 :  St. 
John  sends  disciptea  to  Jesus 
to  M*e  if  He  is  the,  330,  331 ; 
Jews  think  Messios  must  ben 
powerful  worldly  prince,  350, 
357 ;  promised  first  to  Jews, 
356  ;  Pharisees  refuse  to  belie vo 
Jesus,  879  ;  Jesus  enters  Jeru¬ 
salem  In  triumph  as  the.  39*: 
Jewish  people  unfaithful  to  call 
of,  400,  401  ;  Pharisees  want  to 
destroy  faith  In,  446;  sufTeriug 
and  death  of,  452. 

Messianic  Psalms,  174,  175. 

Mc*n|«}tnmia,  65. 

Mirheits,  and  Joel,  prophets  to 
Judu.  tin.  211  .  prophecy  of, 
271,  278. 

Miletus,  St.  Paul’s  departure 

from,  493. 

Miracle,  of  Moses  in  tho  desert, 
125  ;  Jesus  cures  blind  and  deaf 
man,  336  ;  Jesus  stills  the  tem- 
|>cst,  343 ;  daughter  of  Jairus 
raised  to  life,  344  ;  of  Caua, 
294,  295,  296  ;  at  Nazareth,  304  ; 
miracles  ut  Capharnauui,  305, 
3lK> .  of  the  fishes  on  the  Sea  of 
Galilee,  306,  307  ;  cure  of  tho 
paralytic,  308,  309,  310  ;  Jesus 
raises  the  son  of  the  widow  of 
Naim,  328,  329 ;  at  pond  of 
liethsaida,  334;  of  the  loaves 
and  flshe*,  319,  350;  J**>us 
walks  upon  the  waters  urn! 
commands  Peter  to  do  so,  stills 
the  storm  and  lands  the  boat, 
351  ;  Christ  pays  Temple  trib¬ 
ute,  362;  miracles  at  death  of 
Christ,  443 ;  St.  Peter  cures 
a  lame  man,  465,  466  ;  miracles 
of  St.  Peter,  479 ;  God  leads 
Peter  out  of  prison  by  a,  4M3; 
duriug  St.  Paul’s  imprisou- 


Alphabetical  Index 


511 


raont,  490  ;  miracles  of  St.  Paul, 
492,  493. 

Misael  in  the  fiery  furnace,  227. 

Moabites,  146. 

Moon,  17. 

Moral  virtues,  387. 

Moria,  Mount,  186,  438. 

Moses,  294;  birth  of,  107  ;  find¬ 
ing  of,  meaning  of  word,  108; 
flight  of,  109  ;  God  reveals  Him¬ 
self  to,  the  burning  bush,  111, 
112  ;  objects  to  the  mission  to 
which  God  called  him,  113,  114, 
115;  proves  his  mission,  116; 
commands  the  wators  of  tho 
Red  Sea,  122  ;  in  tho  desert, 
125, 126  ;  receives  the  ten  Com¬ 
mandments,  129  ;  destroys  the 
golden  calf,  130  ;  erects  'taber¬ 
nacle,  131,  132,  133  ;  regulates 
divine  worship,  134,  135,  136, 
138  ;  sends  spies  into  Chanaan, 
140,  141,  142;  doubt  of,  143; 
punishment  of,  144  ;  makes  tho 
brazeu  sorpont,  145;  apjtoints 
successor,  death  of,  147 ;  his 
farewell,  148,  149,  150  ;  type  of 

Christ,  150;  at  the  trausllguru- 
• 

Mother,  of  Our  Lord,  Jeremias’ 
Lamentations,  228;  Elizabeth 
greets  Mary  as,  262,  263  ;  Jesus 
seta  His,  on  way  to  Calvary, 
439. 

Mount,  Sermon  on  tho,  311-325. 

Murder,  Cain  and  Abel,  36. 

Mysia,  489. 

Naaman,  cured  of  leprosy  by 
Eliseus,  200,  201. 

Naboth,  198  ;  Jezabel  has  him  put 
to  death,  199. 

Nabuchodonosor,  takes  Jerusa¬ 
lem,  222  ;  has  three  youths  cast 
into  the  fiery  furnace,  227  ;  rec¬ 
ognizes  the  miracle  and  for¬ 
bids  blasphemy  against  tho  God 
of  Ananias,  Misael,  and  Aza- 
rias,  229. 

Naohor,  71. 

Naim,  Jesus  raises  the  son  of  tho 
widow  of,  328,  329,  395. 

Nathan,  reprimands  David,  177. 

Nathanael,  hails  Jesus  as  Son  of 
God,  294. 

Nazareth,  181 ;  home  of  Mary,  258 ; 
return  of  Holy  Family  to,  280, 
282;  Jesus  returns  to,  and  is 


subject  to  His  parents,  285; 
Jesus  about  to  leave,  295  ;  Jesus 
preaches  at,  302, 303, 304;  Mount 
Thabor  near,  360  ;  Jesus  Christ 
of,  465. 

Nebo,  Mount,  150. 

Nero,  495. 

New  Year’s  Day,  Feast  of  the 
Circumcision,  274. 

Nice,  Council  of,  488. 

Nicodemus,  Christ  socks,  296, 
298  ;  Christ  tenehos,  298  ;  holps 
to  bury  Christ,  445. 

Nile,  86. 

Ninive,  202. 

Niuivites,  202,  203. 

Noe,  covenant  with,  ark,  39  ;  liv- 
ing creatures  ho  took,  40  ;  leav¬ 
ing  the  ark,  sacrifice  of,  sign  of 
his  covenant,  tyj>e,  41-45  ;  sons 
of,  mistake  of,  44 ;  his  blessing, 
his  curse,  45;  his  descendants 
and  Tower  of  Babel,  scattering 
of  descendants,  blessing  and 
curso  of.  fulllUed,  46  ;  descond- 
nuts  of,  47. 

Noeini,  who  she  was,  156 ;  virtues 
of,  reward  of,  157  ;  asks  Ruth 
to  depart,  157. 

Offertory,  418. 

Officer  of  Queen  of  Ethiopia  con¬ 
verted.  476. 

Olivet,  Mount,  370 ;  agony  of 
Jesus  on,  424,  425. 

Order,  goods  of  natural  and  su¬ 
pernatural,  407,  408, 

Orpha, daughter-in-law  of  Noeini, 
166. 

Orphans,  charity  to,  rocoui- 
meuded,  480. 

"Our  Father,”  thoLord’s  Prayer, 
381. 

Ozias,  King,  usurps  the  office  of 
priest,  212;  punishment  of, 
213. 

Pagans,  called  to  Christianity, 
475. 

Palestine,  299. 

Parable,  seven  parables  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  of  tho 
sower,  337;  of  the  seed  and  the 
cockle,  339;  of  the  mustard- 
seed,  the  leaven,  340;  of  the 
treasure,  the  precious  pearl, 
and  the  net,  341;  parables  of 
the  man  who  built  his  house 


512 


Alphabetical  Index. 


on  rook  and  the  one  who  built 
on  sand,  324;  of  the  unforgiv¬ 
ing  servant,  365,  366;  of  the 
good  Samaritan,  367,  363,  369, 
370;  of  the  Good  Shepherd, 
371,  372;  of  the  prodigal  son, 
373,  374.  375,  376:  of  Dives  and 
Lazarus,  376,  377:  of  the  rich 
man,  382.  383:  of  the  barren 
flg-tree,  383,  384;  of  the  Pbnri- 
soe  and  the  publican,  386,  387  ; 
of  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard, 
391,  392;  of  the  marriage  feast, 
400,  401,  402:  parnbles  of  the 
ten  virgins  and  tho  talents, 
406,  407:  of  the  vino.  423. 

Faraelete,  Holy  Ghost  the.  422. 

Paradise,  garden  of,  24;  heavenly, 
25. 

Paralytic,  miraculous  cure  of 
the,  308,  309.  310. 

Parents,  fall  of  first,  26;  punish¬ 
ment  of  children  who  do  not 
honor  their  parents,  reward  of 
those  who  do,  45;  love  we  owe, 
81;  sin  against  love  of,  97; 
respect  for,  100;  obedience  of 
Jesus  to,  285. 

Paschal  Lamb,  118,  444  ;  sprink¬ 
ling  with  blood  of,  119:  how 
eaten,  type  of  Christ,  120;  tyj»e 
of  the  “  Lamb  of  God,”  292  ; 
Jesus  eats,  with  the  Apostles, 
411. 

Paseh,  same  as  Passover,  137. 

Fassiou,  of  Christ,  395 ;  Jesus 
foretells  His,  aud  death,  395. 
396;  Jesus  scourged,  crowned 
with  thorns,  and  condemned  to 
death,  435,  436,  437. 

Passover,  Feast  of,  introduced 
by  Moses,  136,  137:  after  cross¬ 
ing  tho  Jordan,  151;  Feast  of, 
283. 

Patmos,  494. 

Patriarchs,  103,  107. 

Penance,  329,  384;  Sacrament  of, 
142;  what  is,  201;  St.  John 
preaches,  2*6,  287,  288;  forty 
days,  of  Niuivc,  291  ;  things 
necessary  to  receive  Sacrament 
of.  worthily,  311:  Sacrament  of 
the  dead,  380,  412;  Christ  insti¬ 
tutes  Sacrament  of,  453,  455, 
456. 

Pentecost,  461;  Feast  of,  intro¬ 
duced  by  Moses,  136;  what  is, 
464. 


Persecutions  of  Christians,  495. 

Persia,  Gulf  of,  103. 

Persians,  Medes  and,  231;  Kings, 
236. 

Teter,  meaning  of,  294 ;  walks 
upon  the  waters,  351;  at  the 
Transfiguration,  361  ;  cuts  off 
the  ear  of  Malchus, 426:  "Thou 
art  Peter,”  458;  journeys  of, 
479;  in  prison,  482.  483. 

Phamo,  dreams  of,  86,  87,  98,  100, 
112,  119,  121,  150:  his  army  de¬ 
stroyed,  122  ;  punishment  of, 
123. 

Phares,  231. 

Pharisee  aud  tho  publican,  para¬ 
ble.  386,  387. 

Pharisees,  310,  433,  446;  sect  of 
Jews,  249,  250;  stubborn,  288; 
J**sus  condemns,  as  hypocrites, 
323;  Jesus  defends  Mary  Mag¬ 
dalen  against  tho,  332:  do  not 
believe  miracles  of  Jesus,  378, 
379;  hate  Jesus  and  plan  His 
death,  395;  try  to  ensnure  Our 
Lord,  402,  403. 

Philippi,  capital  of  Macedonia, 
489;  Bt.  Paul  at,  490. 

Philistines,  Hell’s  sons  killed  by, 
ark  of  the  covenant  in  hands  of 
the,  161;  Goliath,  the  Philistine 
giaut,  165;  Jonathan  killed  by 
the.  171. 

rhrygia,  489. 

Pilate,  Jesus  before,  433, 434;  asks 
Jews  to  choose  between  Ba- 
rabb&s  and  Christ,  435  ;  has 
Jesus  led  before  the  people, 
436;  declares  himself  innocent, 
437;  sin  of,  437;  places  a  guard 
over  the  sepulchre,  445,  446. 

Pisidia,  485. 

Plagues,  ten,  of  Egypt,  116,  117, 
118. 

Pope,  visible  head  of  Church,  139; 
the  vicar  of  Christ  on  earth 
are  tho  Popes,  successors  of  St. 
Peter,  360,  412,  459:  infallibility 
of  the,  420,  421,  475;  prayer  lor 
the,  483 ;  presides  at  General 
Councils,  487,  488. 

Praver.of  Abraham  for  Sodom  and 
Gomorrha,  59  ;  of  Jacob,  75  ; 
chief  fruits  of,  76:  fifth  petition 
of  Lord’s,  77;  of  Elias,  what  is, 
196 :  fruits  of,  197  ;  of  An- 
tiochus  unanswered,  246,  247  ; 
how  and  for  whom  our  prayer 


Alphabetical  Index . 


513 


should  be,  306;  how  Christ  says 
we  should  pray,  320;  of  the 
woman  of  Chanaan,  356;  effects 
of,  362  ;  Lord’s,  366,  381,  382  ; 
perseverance  in  prayer  of  Eliza¬ 
beth  and  Zachary  and  woman 
of  Chanaan,  382  ;  of  Jesus,  424, 
426 ;  of  St.  Stephen,  473  ;  of 
faithful  for  Peter,  483. 

Pride,  20,  21  ;  of  descendants  of 
Noe,  tower  of  Babel,  capital  sin, 
45;  of  Saul,  163;  of  Aman,  237; 
of  Pharisee,  386,  387. 

Priest,  high,  opposes  King  Ozias, 
212  ;  Jesus  Christ  priest  at 
Last  Supper,  416 ;  Apostles 
made  priests  at  Last  Supper, 
417;  bishops  and  priests  suc¬ 
cessors  of  Apostles  in  Sacrifice 
of  Mass,  417,  418,  419 ;  Jesus 
great  High,  423,  425 ;  Annas 
aud  Caiphas  high  priests,  428  ; 
high  priests  threaten  Pilate, 
437;  high  priests  at  the  cross, 
439,  440  ;  priests  have  power  to 
forgive  sins,  455  ;  Jewish 
priests,  466  ;  priests  and  Con¬ 
firmation,  476. 

Priesthood,  of  the  Old  Law,  of 
the  New  Law,  139,  212  ;  why  in¬ 
stituted,  143. 

Probatica,  pond  of  Bethsaida 
sometimos  called,  333. 

Prodigal  Son,  parable  of  the,  373, 
374,  375. 

Promised  Land,  123;  Moses  for¬ 
bidden  to  enter,  144,  150;  Is¬ 
raelites  enter  the,  151,  152,  153. 

Prophets,  who  were  the,  192; 
Elias,  193,  194;  Eliseus,  200, 
201;  Jonas,  202,  203;  God  ad¬ 
monished  Israelites  through, 
204;  Joel  and  Micheas  preach 
to  people  of  Juda,  210,  211; 
Isaias,  214,  215,  216;  names 
given  the  promised  Redeemer 
by,  214;  Joremias  laments  Je¬ 
rusalem,  223;  Daniel,  222-226, 
230-233;  last,  Zacharias  and 
Aggeus,234,235 ;  describe  Jesus 
as  a  lamb,  293;  fulfilment  of 
words  of,  303 ;  Jews  take  Jesus 
for  one  of  the,  357;  foretold 
about  Jesus,  436. 

Psalms,  of  David,  174,  175. 

Ptolemy  Philadelphus,  240. 

Publican,  Pharisee  and  the,  386, 
387  ;  virtues  of,  387. 


Punishment,  temporal,  142;  ai 
the  rebels,  143 ;  of  Moses,  144’, 
of  Israelites,  144,  145;  of  Heli 
and  his  wicked  sons,  160, 161 ;  of 
Saul,  170 ;  of  Jezabel  and  Achab, 
197, 198, 199 ;  of  Dives,  377,  378 ; 
of  Ananias  and  Saphira,  467, 
468,  469 ;  of  Herod  Agrippa,  482, 
483. 

Purgatory,  souls  in,  248;  prayer 
for  souls  in,  249. 

Putiphar,  82 ;  wife  of,  82,  83. 

Rachel,  73. 

Rainbow,  sign  of  covenant,  30, 43. 

Rages,  208. 

Raphael,  archangel,  accompanies 
Tobias,  206,  208;  admonishes 
Tobias,  209,  210. 

Rebecca,  wife  of  Isaac,  good 
qualities  of,  66;  Jacob,  favorite 
son  of,  67  ;  tempts  Jacob  to  de¬ 
ceive  Isaac,  68, 69;  punishment 
of,  71. 

Redeemer,  promise  of,  30;  where 
first  promised,  to  whom,  31 ; 
when  promised,  fulfilled,  Ad¬ 
vent,  prayers  for,  32;  promised 
to  Abraham,  49,  50;  Job’s  faith 
in  a,  105;  Old  Law  and  the, 
136;  Balaam’s  prophecy  of  the, 
146,  147;  Moses’  prophecy,  149; 
prophecies  of  David,  175,  176; 
God  prepares  the  heathen  for 
the  coming,  194;  God  keeps 
alive  idea  of,  through  Israel¬ 
ites,  205;  prophecies  of  Isaias 
concerning  the,  214,  215,  216, 
217;  prophecies  of  Zacharias 
and  Aggeus,  234,  235;  all  man¬ 
kind  sighing  for  the,  250:  God’s 
first  promise  of  a,  birthplace 
of,  foretold  by  Micheas,  211, 
271 ;  St.  John  prepares  the  way 
for  the,  267;  Simeon  recognizes 
the,  Simeon’s  prophecy,  276; 
Zacheus  longs  to  see  the,  396. 

Redemption,  graces  of  the,  Zach¬ 
ary  praises  plan  of,  267 ;  of  the 
world  by  Jesus,  443 ;  Resur¬ 
rection  perfects,  447,  448. 

Red  Sea,  103;  passage  of  the, 
121,  122;  figure  of  baptism,  123.’ 

Relics,  honor  of,  of  saints,  relics 
of  Eliseus,  201. 

Resurrection,  105,  436,  450;  Dan¬ 
iel  type  of,  of  Christ,  233;  Jesus 
prophesies  the,  362;  Jesus  au- 


514 


A  1j)h  abet  i cal  Index 


thor  of  tho,  303;  of  the  body. 
304;  Jeeus  glorified  by,  423;  of 
Christ,  446,  447,  448.  Easter 
Sunday.  448;  prophecies  ful¬ 
filled  At,  447  ;  Christ  gives 
assembled  Apostles  proof  of, 
454. 

UoboAm,  172;  oppression  of  poo- 
plo  by,  190;  consequence,  dlvl- 
sion  of  kingdom,  loyal  trills, 
capital  of  Juda*  191. 
lloman,  Augustus,  emperor.  269, 
270,  273;  centurion,  328.  327; 
Paul  and  Silas  Homan  subjects, 
490;  persecutions  under  Ro¬ 
man  cmj^n>rs,  495 
Homans,  Judea  under,  249,  250; 

i mulsh  the  Jews,  401;  destroy 
••rusalem,  405. 

Rome,  Popo  Hishop  of.  412;  St. 
Paul  brought  to.  493,  494;  St. 
Peter  In.  403,  494. 

Ruben,  79.  91. 

Ruth,  who  was,  155;  virtues  of, 
157;  her  answer  to  Noeml,  157; 
her  reward,  158;  ancestor  of 
the  Mesalas,  158,  159;  her  mar¬ 
riage,  158. 

Balm.  Queen  of,  and  8o|omon, 
189. 

Sabbath,  institution  of,  17; 
blessed, Sunday,  18.  Jews  blame 
Jo*us  for  curing  a  man  on  the, 
334 

internment,  of  Baptism,  123,  287; 
of  Penance,  128.  142;  of  Holy 
Eucharist,  125,  128.  350;  of  the 
Altar,  187  ;  what  is  a,  380.  of 
Confirmation,  474,  475,  47G;  of 
!!<•!>•  <  >rdera,  381,  484. 
Sacraments,  miraculous  rock  fig¬ 
ure  of,  125;  of  the  dead,  329, 
381;  outward  signs  used  by 
Jesus  figure  of,  380;  of  the 
living.  381. 

Sacred  Heart,  devotion  to,  445. 
Sacrifice,  ofTeriug  of  Cain,  of 
Abel,  34;  of  Noe,  43;  altar  of 
Abraham  in  Chanaau,  51  ;  of 
Melcbiaedeoh.  54:  of  Muss,  55; 
Abraham’s,  61,  62;  what  is  n, 
134;  bloody  aud  unbloody,  135; 
holocaust,  atonement,  thanks¬ 
giving,  petition,  135 ;  drink, 
food,  Old  Law,  136;  the  highest 
form  of  worship  is,  403;  merit 
of,  404;  Holy  Eucharist  a,  415, 


416:  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass  and 
Sacrifice  of  the  Cross,  417,  418, 
419. 

Sadducees,  Jewish  sect,  249,  250; 
stubborn.  288. 

St.  Ram  alias,  accompanies  8t. 
Paul,  485,  486. 

St.  James  the  Elder,  253;  at  the 
Transfiguration,  361 ;  on  Mount 
Olivet,  424. 

St.  James  tho  I/ess,  Bishop  of 
Jerusalem,  488 ;  Stoned  to 
death,  494. 

Bt  John  tho  Apostle,  295.  390, 
444.  on  Mount  Olivet,  424  ;  at 
the  croas,  439,  441;  and  St. 
peter  before  the  Councit,  466; 
bishop  of  Ephesus,  exile  to 
Patmoa  and  death  of,  494. 

St.  John  the  Baptist,  forerunner 
of  Our  Redeemer,  215;  an  angel 

announces  the  birth  of,  to 
Zachary  .253.  preaches  penance, 
meaning  of  word  M  John,*'  235; 
birth  of.  285;  village  of,  261; 
youth  of.  268;  name  given  at 
circumcision,  opposition,  why, 
Zachary  writes  name,  266:  mis¬ 
sion  of,  birthday  of,  267;  fore¬ 
runner  of  Christ,  286;  differ- 
cnce  l-tween  baptism  of.  and 
Christ’s,  287;  says  he  Is  not  tho 
Christ,  288;  humility  of,  289; 
calls  Our  Lord  “  Lamb  of  God," 
292;  gives  testimony  of  Jesus, 
I ca<ts  first  Apostles  to  Jesus, 
293;  fortitude  of,  330  ;  mission 
of  disciples  of,  to  Christ,  331; 
beheading  of,  348 ;  virtues  of, 
feast  of,  349;  Jews  think  Jesus 
is.  357. 

8t.  Joseph,  spouse  of  Mary, 
258 ;  foster  -  father  of  Jesus, 
263 ;  Incarnation  revealed  to, 
268, 269  ;  Mary  and,  present  In¬ 
fant  Jesus  In  the  Temple,  274, 
275;  tho  flight  of,  into  Egypt, 
2^0,  281  ;  special  protector  of 
the  Child,  patron  of  Catholic 
Church,  282  ;  Jesus  called  the 
“sou  of  Joseph,"  303. 

St.  Matthew,  on  miracles  at  death 
Of  Jesus,  44M. 

St  Matthias,  elected  Apostle,  462, 

468. 

St.  Luke,  462,  467,  475  ;  conver¬ 
sion  and  death  of,  490. 

St.  Paul,  253 ;  conversion  of  St. 


Alphabetical  Index. 


515 


Paul,  477,  478;  his  first  mis¬ 
sion,  484,  485,  486  ;  his  second 
mission,  489,  490,  491  ;  his 
third  mission,  492,  493,  494 ; 
martyrdom  of,  493,  494,  495  ; 
saver!  by  miracle  at  Malta,  493. 

St.  Peter,  139 ;  foundation  of 
Church.  294;  Josus  cures  tho 
mother-in-law  of,  300:  his  mi¬ 
raculous  draught  of  fishes  on 
Lake  Genee&reth,  306,  307,  308; 
Primacy  of,  confirmed,  307  ; 
miracle  of  walking  on  waters 
figure  of,  and  Church,  351 ; 
promised  tho  keys  of  the  king¬ 
dom  of  heaven,  357  ;  professes 
his  faith  in  divinity  of  Christ, 
358:  Jesus  confirms  his  tes¬ 
timony  and  makes  him  head 
of  Church,  359  ;  tho  Vicar  of 
Christ,  successors  of,  360.  Tem¬ 
ple  tribute,  362,  363.  458  ;  h.vul 
of  the  Apostles,  365  ;  refuses  to 
have  Jesus  wash  his  feet,  412, 
458  ;  Jesus  foretells  denial  of, 
prays  for,  that  his  “faith  fail 
not,”  infallibility  of,  420,  421, 
422  ;  on  Mount  Olivet,  424  ; 
denies  Christ,  430,  431,  432; 
Christ  appears  to,  450,  451  ; 
preaches  to  Jews  on  Pentecost. 
454:  made  supreme  pastor,  457, 
458 ;  Christ  foretells  martyrdom 
of,  successors  of,  459;  feast  of, 
45  » 

preaches  on  Pentecost,  464  ; 
cures  a  man  who  was  t  orn 
lame,  465,  466  ;  and  8t.  John 
before  tho  Council,  466;  re¬ 
proves  Ananias  and  Saphira, 
468,  469  ;  has  greater  healing 
power  than  other  Apostles, 
469  ;  speaks  for  Apostles,  470  ; 
goes  to  Samaria,  475  ;  proof  of 
Primacy  of,  heals  Eneas  and 
raises  Tabitbn,  479 :  visible 
head  of  Church,  480,  481;  Jews 
cast  him  into  prison,  482,  483  ; 
presides  at  Council  of  Jeru¬ 
salem,  487,  488;  founds  Chris¬ 
tian  community  at  Rome,  494; 
at  Antioch,  494  ;  death  of,  494, 
495. 

St.  Philip,  converts  officer  of 
Queen  Candace,  474,  476. 

St.  Simeon,  martyrdom  of,  495. 

St.  Stephen,  love  of,  for  enemies, 
319,  473;  first  martyr,  471,  473; 


fljst  deacon,  472;  virtues  of, 
472;  feast  of,  474;  associates  of, 
persecuted,  474,  475. 

St.  Thomas,  doubt  of,  tho  apostle, 
456. 

Saints,  teachings  of  Catholic 
Church  nbout,  respect  for  pic¬ 
tures  and  images  of,  227. 

Samaria,  299,  460;  capital  of  Is¬ 
rael,  191;  inhabitants  of,  con¬ 
verted  and  confirmed,  474, 
475. 

Samaritan,  parable  of  the  good, 
367,  368,  369,  370. 

Samaritan  woman,  Jesus  meets, 
at  well,  299;  rewards,  300;  set¬ 
tles  dispute  for,  301. 

Ramos,  493. 

Samuel,  chosen  to  lil>emto  people, 
159;  what  word  means,  virtues 
of,  160;  made  prophet  and 
judge,  161;  anoints  Saul  king, 
161 

Haphira,  Ananias  and,  467. 

Kara,  wife  of  Abraham,  56,  57. 

Karephta,  refugo  of  Elias,  widow 
of,  194. 

Satan,  tempter,  why,  form  of  ser¬ 
pent,  26;  punishment  of,  bow, 
seed  of,  victory  over,  31,  123: 
David’s  victory  figure  of 
Christ’s  victory  over,  167; 
tempts  Jesus,  291,  292. 

Saul,  made  King  of  Israel,  162; 
auointod  by  Samuel,  163;  be¬ 
comes  proud,  his  disobedience, 
163;  punishment,  164;  David 
replaces,  164;  his  hatred  of 
David,  167;  his  envy  of  David, 
oath  of,  168,  169;  punishment 
and  death  of,  170,  171. 

Saul,  conversion  of,  477,  478;  be¬ 
comes  an  Apostle  of  Christ  and 
is  called  Paul,  478. 

Saviour,  born  in  tho  city  of  David, 
272;  in  Nazareth,  285:  innocence 
and  meekness  of,  290 ;  promise 
<d,  t"  tho  meek.  312,  318, 

Scandul,  sin  of,  82;  Jesus  warns 
Apostles  against,  363;  fifth 
Commandment  forbids,  364. 

Scribes,  send  Magi  to  Bethlehem, 
278;  say  Jesus  blasphemes,  310; 
Jesus  condemns,  as  hypocrites, 
323;  question  Jesus  about  coin 
of  tribute,  402,  403,  433;  and 
ancients  at  the  cross,  439,  440. 

Sem,  virtues  of,  44;  descendants 


516 


Alphabetical  Index. 


of,  father  of  people  of  Israel 
and  of  Messios,  46. 

Sennacherib,  King  of  Assyria, 
218. 

Septimius  Severus,  495. 

Septuagint,  Greek  translation  of 
Old  Testament,  240. 

Sepulchre,  Jesus  is  laid  in  the, 
444,  445,  446. 

Sergius,  485. 

Sermon  on  the  Mount,  311,  325. 

Serpent,  Satau  in  form  of,  26; 
uuishment  and  curse,  30; 
razen,  145. 

Seth,  descendants  of,  38;  children 
of,  147. 

Shepherds,  angels  announce  birth 
of  Jesus  to,  272;  faith  of,  273. 

Shepherd,  purablo  of  the  Good, 
371,  372. 

Sichem,  Jesus  meets  Samaritan 
woman  near,  299. 

Sidon,  194,  311. 

Silas,  com|vanion  of  St.  Paul,  490. 

Simeon,  91,  100 ;  calls  Christ  a 
light,  257;  recognises  the  Re¬ 
deemer  in  the  Infant  Jesus, 
275,  276;  prophecy  of.  276,  277 ; 
thirst  of,  for  justice,  314. 

Simon,  Peter,  chosen  to  bo  foun¬ 
dation  of  Church,  298,  294; 
Jesus  goes  to  the  house  of, 
306;  Jesus  reads  thoughts  of, 
about  Mary  Magdalen,  331,  332; 
Jesus  prays  for,  421;  change 
of  name  from,  to  Peter,  293. 

Sin,  first  sin,  26;  what  sin  is, 
consequences  of  first,  28;  orig¬ 
inal,  transn  ission  of  original, 
29;  punishment  of  first,  30 ; 
sins  that  cry  to  heaven  for 
vengeance,  36;  sins  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrha,  sins  against 
sixth  Commandment,  58,  59,  60; 
sins  of  impurity,  61 ;  mortal  sin, 
sin  of  Jacob,  sin  of  Rebecca, 
68,  69;  accessory  to,  69;  against 
parents,  81;  of  jealousy,  81;  of 
scandal,  82,  83:  of  theft,  95;  of 
rash  judgment,  104:  of  Aaron, 
129;  sins  against  fifth  Com¬ 
mandment,  141, 142;  venial,  144; 
occasion  of,  154;  sins  of  Heli 
and  his  sons,  160, 161;  of  pride, 
163;  of  envy,  Saul,  168,  169:  sins 
of  David  and  Absalom,  176, 177, 
178,  179;  sins  of  the  tongue, 
184;  seven  capital  sins,  46,  197, 


382;  sins  of  Achab  and  Jezabel, 
197, 198, 199;  against  authority, 
leprosy,  200,  201;  of  Aman,  237; 
actual  mortal,  251;  sins  against 
faith,  256;  sins  against  obedi¬ 
ence,  285;  Jesus  forgivos  the 
sins  of  the  paralytic,  309; 
8cribes  and  Pharisees  say 
"  God  ulono  can  forgive  sins,” 
310;  how  our  sins  are  forgiven, 
311;  mortal  and  venial,  323; 
sins  of  Herod,  330,  348;  change 
in  our  souls  when  sins  are  for¬ 
given,  333;  sins  against  the 
Holy  Ghost,  336,  337  ;  power  to 
forgive  sins  conferred  on  the 
Apostles,  364,  365:  of  the  unfor¬ 
giving  servant,  365,  366;  why 
we  must  confess  our  sins,  375; 
mortal,  376;  Our  Lord  warns 
against  sin  of  avarice,  382 ; 
leprosy  figure  of,  385,  386;  of 
envy,  392;  of  Judas,  420,  427, 
432  ;  of  St.  Peter,  481,  432;  of 
Pilate,  437;  of  Scribes  and  an¬ 
cients,  440;  Christ  gives  Apos¬ 
tles  and  their  successors  power 
to  forgive  sins,  454,  455,  456; 
hypocrisy,  467;  of  Ananias  and 
Sapbira,  467,  468;  lie  a  mortal, 
468;  of  resisting  grace  of  God, 
472  ;  of  murder,  sins  that  cry  to 
heaven  for  vengeance,  473. 

Sinai,  peninsula  of,  111;  Mount, 
and  ten  Commandments,  126, 

1j7  128 

Sion,  235,  399.  David  builds  taber¬ 
nacle  on  Mount,  173. 

Siracb,  Book  of,  Ecclesiasticus, 
Jesus,  son  of,  240. 

Sodom  and  Gomorrha,  53;  de¬ 
struction  of,  sins  of,  Abraham’s 
pity  of,  58;  how  destroyed,  60. 

Solomon,  David’s  last  admoni¬ 
tion  to,  179, 180:  his  prayer,  181, 
182;  his  wisdom,  182,  183; 
proverbs  of,  184, 185, 186:  builds 
a  Temple  to  the  Lord,  186;  con¬ 
secrates  Temple,  187;  his  mag¬ 
nificence  anil  fall,  188,  189; 
type  of  Christ,  189;  ltoboam, 
son  of,  190;  punishment  of, 
192. 

Soul,  image  of  God,  23,  333 ;  natu¬ 
ral  and  supernatural  likeness, 
24;  consequences  of  the  fall  for 
the,  29;  in  limbo,  immortal,  80; 
particular  judgment  of  the,  81; 


Alphabetical  Index . 


517 


the,  after  judgment,  231;  im¬ 
mortality  of  the,  248,  249;  more 
than  the  body,  309;  restored  to 
spiritual  life,  329;  of  Jesus,  425. 

Spies,  of  the  Israelites,  140,  141, 
291. 

Spirit,  God,  angels,  20;  of  truth, 
422. 

Star  of  Bethlehem,  278. 

Stars,  17. 

Suffer,  why  so  many,  18. 

Sun,  17. 

Sunday,  Christian,  changed  by 
CatholicChurch,18;  Easter, 448. 

Susanna,  wife  of  Joakim,  224;  re¬ 
sists  temptation,  225;  Daniel 
saves,  226 ;  virtues  of,  226. 

Synagogue,  383. 

Syria,  Autiochus,  King  of,  243; 
St.  Paul  goes  to,  489. 

Tabernacle,  erection  of  the,  why, 
how,  131  ;  size,  divisions  of, 
132;  sanctuary  of,  132,  133;  fig¬ 
ure  of  Church,  133;  consecra¬ 
tion,  134;  Temple  built  after 
plan  of,  186. 

Tabernacles,  feast  of,  137,  283;  in¬ 
troduced  by  Moses,  136,  137. 

Tabitha,  St.  Peter  raises,  479. 

Talents,  parable  of  the,  407. 

Tempest,  Jesus  in  the,  at  sea, 
342,  343. 

Temple,  314:  Solomon  builds  the, 
plan  of,  186:  how  churches  dif¬ 
fer  from,  187;  Nabuchodonosor 
destroys  the,  222;  KingBaltas- 
sar  uses  sacred  vessels  of,  and 
is  punished,  230,  231;  Jews  re¬ 
build  the,  234:  glory  of  second, 
greater  than  first,  235;  Simeon 
sees  Christ  in  the,  257 ;  presen¬ 
tation  of  Jesus  in  the,  274,  275; 
prophecies  of  Simeon  in  the, 
276,  277;  Jesus  in  the,  283,  284; 
figure  of  Limbo,  285  ;  Jesus 
drives  the  money-changers  from 
the,  296,  297  ;  lepers  shut  out 
from  the,  325  ;  tribute  for  the, 
362,  363,  433  ;  Jesus  at  feast  of 
Dedication  of,  388  ;  Christ  says 
He  will  build  up,  in  three  days, 
429  ;  curtain  of,  rent  at  death 
of  Jesus,  443  ;  St.  Peter  cures 
a  man  at  Temple  gate,  465,  466. 

Temptation,  of  Jesus  in  the  des¬ 
ert,  291,  292  ;  Jesus  warns 
against,  324. 


|  Testament,  Old,  just  in,  32; 
translation  of  Old,  into  Greek 
239,  240;  New,  253;  Jesus  ac¬ 
knowledges  law  of  Old,  274  ; 
Christ  Lawgiver  of  New,  318; 
New,  fulfilment  of  the  Old,  361 ; 
Old,  444  ;  typo  of  Besurrection 
in  Old,  447. 

Thabor,  Mount,  Transfiguration 
of  Jesus  on.  360,  361,  362,  424. 

Thecel,  230,  231. 

Theft,  95. 

Theological,  virtues,  290;  faith, 
hope,  aud  charity,  358. 

Thief,  penitent,  440,  441. 

Thursday,  413. 

Tigris,  202. 

Timothy,  companion  of  St.  Paul. 

490. 

Titus,  405. 

Tobias,  virtues  of,  204;  corpo¬ 
ral  and  spiritual  works  of 
mercy  of,  205;  advice  of,  to  his 
son,  206,  207:  the  younger,  de¬ 
parts  with  the  angel,  208;  the 
younger,  returns  home.  209, 
210. 

Trajan,  495. 

Transfiguration,  of  Jesus  on 
Mount  Thabor,  360,  361. 

“  Transubstantiation,”  415. 

Trent,  Council  of,  461. 

Tribute,  for  the  Temple,  362,  363; 
coin  of,  402,  403,  404. 

Troas,  489  ;  St.  Paul  raises  a 
young  man  to  life  at,  493. 

Tyre,  194,  311. 

Urias,  176,  177. 

Valerian,  496. 

Vatican,  Council  of,  488. 

Vineyard,  Church  likened  to 
a,  383;  laborers  in  the,  391, 
392. 

Virgins,  parable  of  the  ten,  406, 
407,  408. 

Virtues,  theological,  290,  358 ; 
moral,  387;  cardinal,  406,  407  ; 
of  Apostles,  462;  of  St.  Paul, 

491. 


Wall,  handwriting  on,  230,  231. 
Water,  17;  deluge,  39;  subsiding 
of  waters,  disappearance  of 
waters,  42,  43;  covenant  with 
Noe,  43;  Jesus  walks  upon  the 


518 


Alphabetical  Index 


waters,  Peter  walks  upon  tho 
waters,  351. 

Widow,  the,  Judith  saves  Jews, 
219,  220,  221;  the  widow’s 
mite,  404:  widows  commended 
to  charity,  430. 

Wiso  Men,  throe,  277;  star  loads, 
to  Jerusalem,  278;  at  Bet  hie- 
hem,  278. 

■Woman,  creation  of  first,  Eve,  25 ; 
seed  of,  victory  of,  31  ;  blamed 
by  Adam,  32;  Jesus  calls  His 
Mother,  295;  with  issue  of 
blood,  344  ;  Jesus  drives  devil 
out  of  daughterof,  of  Chanaan, 
355,  356 ;  faith  and  prayer  of, 
of  Chanaan ,  356,  3H2. 

Works,  go<»d,  404,  406,  408. 

World,  creation  of,  when,  15 ; 
how,  16  ;  why  blessed,  17 ;  pre¬ 


served,  governed, 18  ;  wicked¬ 
ness  of,  38. 

Zacharios,  encourages  the  Jews, 
234  ;  prophesies  the  coming 
of  tho  Redeemer,  235  ;  prophe¬ 
sies  death  of  the  Redeemer, 

.  8  prophecy  of,  fulfilled,  1 

Zachary,  an  angel  announces  the 
birth  of  8t.  John  to,  253  :  home 
of,  and  Elizabeth,  piety  of, 
prayer  of,  254  ;  doubt  of,  255 ; 
punishment  of,  256  ;  why,  257  ; 
names  child  John  and  speaks, 
266  ;  his  hymn  of  praise,  Bene¬ 
dicts,  264.,  267  ;  his  persever¬ 
ance  in  prayer,  382. 

Zacheus,  395 ;  virtues  of,  396  ; 
Jesus  outers  tho  house  of,  con¬ 
version  of,  397. 


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7 


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8 


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WRONGFULLY  ACCUSED.  By  William  Herchenbach.  0  40 

NOVELS  AND  STORIES. 

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net,  0  35 

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CIRCUS  RIDER’S  DAUGHTER,  THE.  A  Novel.  By  F.  v.  Brackel.  i  25 

9 


CONNOR  D  ARCVS  STRUGGLES.  A  Novel.  By  Mr*.  W.  M.  Bkrtholds. 

i  25 


DION  AND  THE  SIBYLS.  A  Classic  Novel.  By  Miles  Keon.  Cloth,  i 

FABIOLA;  or.  The  Church  of  the  Catacomb*.  By  Cardinal  Wiseman.  Pop¬ 
ular  Illustrated  Edition,  0.90;  Edition  de  luxe,  5  00 

FABIOLA’S  SISTERS.  A  Companion  Volume  to  Cardinal  Wiseman’s 
"  Fabiola.”  By  A.  C.  Clarke. 

HEIRESS  OF  CRONENSTEIN.  THE.  By  the  Countess  Hars  Hahs.  i  25 

IDOLS;  or,  The  Secrets  of  the  Rue  Chausce  d’Antin.  De  Navkry.  t  25 

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MARCELLA  GRACE.  A  Novel.  By  Rosa  Mulholland.  Illustrated  Edi¬ 
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MONK’S  PARDON,  THE.  A  Historical  Novel  of  the  Time  of  Phillip  IV. 
of  Spain.  By  Raoul  de  Navery.  i  2$ 

mk.  BILLY  BUTTONS.  A  Novel.  B y  Uum  I.eckt. 

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PASSING  SHADOWS,  a  Novel.  By  Axraomr  Your  t 

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ROMANCE  OF  A  PLAYWRIGHT.  By  Vtc.  Henri  de  Bornier.  i  00 


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1  y> 

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TRUE  STORY  OF  MASTER  GERARD.  THE.  By  Anna  T.  Saduer.  i  25 
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*  *5 

WOMAN  OF  FORTUNE.  A.  By  Christian  Reid.  1  25 

WORLD  WELL  LOST.  By  Esther  Rorcrtson.  o  75 


LIVES  AND  HISTORIES 


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HISTORIOGRAPH  1 A  ECCLESI ASTICA  quam  Historic  seriam  Solidamquc 
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VISIT  TO  EUROPE  AND  THE  HOLY  LAND.  By  Rev.  H.  Fairbanks. 

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WOMEN  OF  CATHOLICITY.  By  Anna  T.  Sadlier.  i  00 

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BUSINESS  GUIDE  FOR  PRIESTS.  Stang,  D.D.  net,  o  85 

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A  LADY.  Manners  and  Social  Usages.  By  Lklia  Hardin  Bugg. 

AIDS  TO  CORRECT  AND  EFFECTIVE  ELOCUTION.  With  Selected 
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14 


1  00 


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